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NEW USER'S GUIDE TO THE PS3

If you've got questions pertaining to the PS3 ask away. I'll keep an update of all the Q&A in the OP for future reference as more people pick up the system. And for CAGs who've had the systems for a while, jump in as well with your hidden tricks and shortcuts to getting the most out of the system.

This will most certainly be dependant on the support of the community, so thanks again to everyone. Enjoy your PS3!


PS3 QUESTIONS

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HARDWARE/SETUP

Q: Does the PS3 auto-detect HDMI on setup?

Yes, it does. Component, however, is not. (I'm guessing you have to select this through the menu and have either HDMI or Composite set up for display.*)
*See "5 Second Hold" in PS3 101

Q: Can I replace the HDD in my PS3?

Yes, you can. In fact it's even stated in the Official PS3 FAQ page. All you will need is a SATA 2.5in Hard Drive. Watch this video for instructions:

Optical cables (or Toslink)

*First section only "Toslink to Toslink"
HDMI cables ("male to male")
*Product IDs 2412, 2504, 2526, 2529

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SOFTWARE/BLU-RAY/DVD PLAYBACK

Q: Will PS3 upscale DVDs? How about my PS2 games?

DVD upscaling is only available with the use of HDMI. For PS2 games, however, you may either use the component or HDMI connections.

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MEDIA SHARING/XMB

Q: How do I convert my movie files to watch them on my PS3?

PS3 Video 9 is a free download that will allow you to convert your files to a compatible one for PS3 viewing. Download it here.

Q: How do I access my Media Server PC from my PS3?

"As many people have found out, Firmware 1.8 has added the option to stream and copy media such as music, videos, and pictures from a media server. This guide explains how to do it.

It can either be done by Windows Media Player 11, or Nero Home. This guide is for the WMP11 version of it.

1) Download Windows Media Player 11.

2) After downloading and installing it, it will import your music, videos, and pictures from My Documents. It will not work with your music from iTunes though. For that, you will need to burn it to a disc, then import it to WMP.

3) Open WMP11, Then click on the music tab and there will be three icons, Playlist, library, and Urge. Right Click on library and select share media.

3) On your PS3, turn it on and select "Find Media Servers".

4) On WMP11 a message will pop up showing a unknown device trying to get to your music. Select the Approve button and the click Apply.

There you go! Please remember this though. If you're in the music bar on the XMB, pictures will not display. Only music will work right, other folders will be shown as empty."
From NeoSeeker poster guticb

Q: How do I enable Media Browsing using my Mac?

Unfortunately, I don't have too much information on this, but a few users have suggested the following programs:
TwonkyVision
EyeConnect

Another CAG also recommends the following program for Mac users:
Medialink

Q: Can I alter the background of the XMB?

Unfortunately, you can't as of System Update 1.82. The colors, however, apparently do change according to the season and time of day.

Q: What movie, music and photo formats are supported?

Check the Unofficial PS3 Media Guide for a listing of supported file formats along with further instructions and tips on using those files on your PS3.


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BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY

Q: What PS1 and PS2 games are backwards compatible with the PS3?

Due to the overwhelming library of the PS1 and PS2 games, a complete listing of backwards compatible games would be far too lengthy. Playstation.com provides a Software Compatibility Status Page where you can search to see if a game works and a detailed report of any problems that may have been found.

Q: Are PS2 and PS1 games saved to the HDD or do I need an adapter?

PS2 and PS1 games are saved to the HDD in "Virtual Memory Cards". You're able to create your own within the XMB. However, if you do have game saves you want to transfer over from PS2/PS memory cards for backwards compatibility play, you'll need the PS3 Memory Card Adaptor.

Keep in mind, however, that a virtual memory card must be created prior to starting a PS1/PS2 game.

Q: Using a "PS2 to PS3 adaptor" to use a Dual Shock, will rumble work on PS1 and PS2 games that support the feature?

dallow says: "Yes, though there are some adapters that don't work as well as others. I think there's a thread on which one is the one to get to enable rumble. I bought a cheap no name brand one and rumble doesn't work. Don't think it works with the Pelican adapter either."

Q: Are online-capable PS2 games playable on PS3?

Yes, they are, but for voicechat, you will need to use a wired USB headset.

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GENERAL

Q: What is "folding"?

From Wiki: "Folding@home (also known as FAH or F@H) is a distributed computing roject designed to perform computationally intensive simulations of protein folding and other molecular dynamics simulations."

Basically, it uses your PS3 to help understand diseases and hopefully cure them. Instead of using one supercomputer, all clients subscribed to it (your PS3) are sent little pieces of data to run through and then send back. Think P2P where multiple computers are seeding data, only instead of seeding and downloading porn, you're running chemistry calculations and sending them back. Isn't that more fun?

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PS3 101

If you find yourself switching between TVs and inputs ("5 Second Hold"):

"If you hold down the power button for 5 seconds when powering up, it will auto-revert to the 'default' output setting.
In particular when switching from HDMI to Component on a friend's TV I have found this useful. Also, for me component cables was also automatic (using the 5 second hold feature).

So what exactly does your money get you (the cure to cancer, that's what*):

PS2 launched missiles (potentially), but all that hard earned money has to give me a little more right? Well, not only do you get a Blu-Ray player and a video game system, this baby can also help find a cure to cancer. Join the CAG Folding@home Team -- where CheapAsses can atone for buying DOAX2 to admire the "physics" .
*No promises made, but at least you're trying. "Do or do not my CheapAss, Yoda!"

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LINKS

Playstation 3 User Manual
Playstation 3 FAQ Page
Playstation Software Compatibility Status
Unofficial PS3 Media Guide
PS3 Video 9 Converstion Tool
TwonkyVision
EyeConnect
Medialink
Monoprice.com (Optical Cables)
Monoprice.com (HDMI Cables)
PS3 FAQ AVS Forum


Thanks seanr1221, TC, TheManaKnight, cdrober, panasonic, Apossum, Mechafenris, torifile, dallow, and Backlash for your contributions.

Yea, it should work.

I plugged mine in via HDMI for setup and everything configured itself automatic.

HDMI is automatic. Component is not automatic.

Great. Thanks.

I will confirm that it is automatic with HDMI.

Also, if you are switching around from different TV's I have found this useful:

If you hold down the power button for 5 seconds when powering up, it will auto-revert to the 'default' output setting. In particular when switching from HDMI to Component on a friends tv I have found this useful. Also, for me component cables was also automatic (using the 5 second hold feature).

What do I need to do to sync my ps3 with my windows PC? I see my PC available, but I cannot connect to it. I get the following:

"Access to the media server is not allowed. It is possible that the system name for this PS3 system has not been registered."

Do I need to change the default name for my ps3 console?

Like mtxbass, but with a mac, how do I sync things up?

I can't find any worthwhile programs.

To convert vids to a PS3-playable format:
http://www.redkawa.com/videoconverters/ps3video9/

Got another one for you guys. Will the PS3 only upconvert a dvd when you are using HDMI? My output is only coming out at 480p when I playback a dvd.

(the HDMI cable is on order)

Mhmm, but don't blame the PS3

Most dvds made in the last 3 years have some type of protection preventing them from being upscaled over component cables.

Dallow can probably fill you in more, he shed light on the subject for me.

hdmi is suppose to upscale. Make sure you dvd upscaling is turned on

So just so I've got this straight...

PS3 won't upscale any DVDs over component? You HAVE to use HDMI to upscale DVDs?

Oh, and will the PS3 upscale PS2 games over component?

Yes and yes.

Originally Posted by Archaic Oh, and will the PS3 upscale PS2 games over component?

Yeah, it upscales fine over component for the games. It's the DVD's I'm having an issue with.

God of War II looks a ton better now.

Do most people turn on "smoothing"?

Originally Posted by mtxbass1 Yeah, it upscales fine over component for the games. It's the DVD's I'm having an issue with. God of War II looks a ton better now. Do most people turn on "smoothing"?

I do. Then again, the only PS2 game I own is Shadow of the Colossus so you pretty much have to for that game

Originally Posted by mtxbass1 Yeah, it upscales fine over component for the games. It's the DVD's I'm having an issue with. God of War II looks a ton better now. Do most people turn on "smoothing"?

not always. some games look worse with it.

Great thread!
I'll help if I can!

Originally Posted by mtxbass1 What do I need to do to sync my ps3 with my windows PC? I see my PC available, but I cannot connect to it. I get the following: "Access to the media server is not allowed. It is possible that the system name for this PS3 system has not been registered." Do I need to change the default name for my ps3 console?

Try the suggestion in the OP. We do still need a solution for Mac users, though from seanr1221's question. Thanks.