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

SteveMcQ

SteveMcQ

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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
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 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
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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:
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[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkM9wiZePfs[/media]
Q: Can the tilt feature be disabled globally or do you have to do it for each individual game?
There is no setting to turn off SIXAXIS functionality from within the XMB for every game. However, most games that use the function usually default it to "Off".
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Q: Do they have VGA cables for the PS3?
There is no official 1st party VGA cable available. There maybe a 3rd party option available somewhere, but more than likely, you'll have to use a converter if you want to go that route.
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Q: Where can I get optical and HDMI cables?
If you're ever looking for any kind of cables or wires in the future, check out Monoprice:
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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Keep in mind, however, that a virtual memory card must be created prior to starting a PS1/PS2 game.
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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
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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).
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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" :bouncy:.
*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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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?
 
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.
 
[quote name='Archaic']Oh, and will the PS3 upscale PS2 games over component?[/quote]

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"?
 
[quote name='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"?[/QUOTE]

I do. Then again, the only PS2 game I own is Shadow of the Colossus so you pretty much have to for that game :lol:
 
[quote name='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"?[/QUOTE]


not always. some games look worse with it.
 
[quote name='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?[/quote]Try the suggestion in the OP. We do still need a solution for Mac users, though from seanr1221's question. Thanks.
 
[quote name='SteveMcQ']Try the suggestion in the OP. We do still need a solution for Mac users, though from seanr1221's question. Thanks.[/quote]

Thanks!
 
Unfortunately for Macs, eyeconnect isn't free, and Twonky doesn't work too well for me.

People are pulling for the Connect360 guys to make something.
 
[quote name='Archaic']So just so I've got this straight...

PS3 won't upscale any DVDs over component? You HAVE to use HDMI to upscale DVDs?[/QUOTE]
DRM restrictions prevent upscaling via anything doesn't support copy protection. HDMI does. Component doesn't. It's not that the hardware isn't capable (as you can see from upscaling PS2 games over component). Thank the MPAA for that one.
 
Got a question: Have any devs said anything about rumble support in older games? I know there isn't rumble in the SixAxis, but with the settlement, I always wondered if perhaps devs had put in code for rumble anyway with the foresight to this happening in the future. So when the rumble controller comes out, it's just a matter of the signal actually being sent to the controller or a title update uncovering the rumble code to function.
 
Hey tor, I know you helped me a lot on the psp front with my mac, so another thanks for that ;)

If you're using visual hub to convert your videos, what are you then using to stream them?
 
[quote name='benjamouth']How well ventialted does the PS3 need to me?

To clarify I'll be getting one in the next few weeks and the most obvious place I have to put it is where my old Xbox sits but I'm worried that it won't get enough air there.

I'll insert a link to a picture to show you were my Xbox currently is, does anyone have an opinion on whether the PS3 would be ok there ?

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u320/benjamouth/DSCN0706.jpg[/quote]

That's a neat coffee table, where's it from?

I'd feel safe putting in that slot.
Just scooch it all the way to the left, as the vent is on the right side.
 
[quote name='seanr1221']Hey tor, I know you helped me a lot on the psp front with my mac, so another thanks for that ;)

If you're using visual hub to convert your videos, what are you then using to stream them?[/QUOTE]
I'm not streaming them at all. I don't actually use my PS3 to play video since I've got a Mac mini for my HTPC. Twonkyserver was the only thing that even remotely worked but I didn't like it.

I done some poking around and I've found that because the PS3 uses the same type of protocol the 360 uses for streaming, Connect360 almost works for streaming. I'm sure they're working on a PS3 solution.
 
[quote name='dallow']That's a neat coffee table, where's it from?

I'd feel safe putting in that slot.
Just scooch it all the way to the left, as the vent is on the right side.[/quote]

Thanks Dallow, the coffee table came from Ikea, were I got the majority of my furniture from.
 
[quote name='torifile']I'm not streaming them at all. I don't actually use my PS3 to play video since I've got a Mac mini for my HTPC. Twonkyserver was the only thing that even remotely worked but I didn't like it.

I done some poking around and I've found that because the PS3 uses the same type of protocol the 360 uses for streaming, Connect360 almost works for streaming. I'm sure they're working on a PS3 solution.[/QUOTE]

Guess I'll have to sit tight for streaming then huh? ;)

Xilisoft is a great free dvd-mp4 converter.
 
Forgot to add, if anyone has further questions about PS3 video 9, Let me know. I've been using it a lot and it has, shall we say, some quirks that pop up on occasion (some of which I haven't figured out yet.) Still it's probably the easiest and best converter for the PS3.

Drop me a pm, then I'll post it to the thread
 
Excuse me if this is a stupid question but, are all PS3 games region free ? Or are some region free or none at all ?

I know the movies won't be. I may end up going back to the UK and want to know if games I buy here will work in a European PAL PS3.
 
[quote name='benjamouth']Excuse me if this is a stupid question but, are all PS3 games region free ? Or are some region free or none at all ?

I know the movies won't be. I may end up going back to the UK and want to know if games I buy here will work in a European PAL PS3.[/quote]

Games ARE region free, just like on the PSP.
 
[quote name='mykevermin']Can anyone direct me to good deals on HDDs for use in my PS3?[/quote]How much do you want to spend?

I guess don't know of any deals per say, I just went with the biggest sized under $100 HDD at Newegg. (zip zoom fly would be good site too)
 
Yeah, any 2.5" SATA drive should work. SATA is important.
That looks good. I went with a 120 GB, kinda wish I went for more now.
 
I've got a stupid question: what videos do you convert for the PS3? Converting VOB files to mp4s is great to watch DVDs on your PSP, but what files do you convert to watch on your PS3?
 
[quote name='seanr1221']MP4's work on the PS3[/QUOTE]
But so do DVDs, DVDs don't work on the PSP. Are people ripping them just to keep on their hard drive, so they don't have to watch the DVD?
 
OK, I have a several related questions. I have a Panasonic 50 inch 720p Plasma TV (TH50PX60U) and a PS3 hooked up via HDMI. I have the PS3 to upscale PS2 games (Full) and Smoothing on.

1) When I play a PS2 game, the game is displayed widescreen BUT does NOT utilize the entire screen. Small black strips are on top and bottom and much larger strips on the left and right side (maybe about an inch or inch and a half on each side.) Why is this?

2) When I play God of War on my PS3 with the setting above, I go into the Option Menu and select widescreen. When I do, the picture stretches vertically, cutting off MORE of the image. So now I don't select widescreen and I see more of the image.

3) When I select Progressive scan in God of War, the text and image is so much crisper (despite that it is being displayed in 480P) that now I play God of War with widescreen off and Progressive scan on in the God of War options. The picture is crisp and widescreen (or partially widescreen -see #1 above). I'm I missing something?

Thanks - great thread.
 
[quote name='cheapfrag']OK, I have a several related questions. I have a Panasonic 50 inch 720p Plasma TV (TH50PX60U) and a PS3 hooked up via HDMI. I have the PS3 to upscale PS2 games (Full) and Smoothing on.

1) When I play a PS2 game, the game is displayed widescreen BUT does NOT utilize the entire screen. Small black strips are on top and bottom and much larger strips on the left and right side (maybe about an inch or inch and a half on each side.) Why is this?

2) When I play God of War on my PS3 with the setting above, I go into the Option Menu and select widescreen. When I do, the picture stretches vertically, cutting off MORE of the image. So now I don't select widescreen and I see more of the image.

3) When I select Progressive scan in God of War, the text and image is so much crisper (despite that it is being displayed in 480P) that now I play God of War with widescreen off and Progressive scan on in the God of War options. The picture is crisp and widescreen (or partially widescreen -see #1 above). I'm I missing something?

Thanks - great thread.[/quote]

1. Do you want to play games stretched even if they're not widescreen, or do you want to play in whatever aspect ratio the game is supposed to be in? Answer and I can help.

2. That's because God of War 1 has a "fake widescreen mode", like you said, it just chops off top and bottom. Play it in regular mode.

3. I'm not sure I understand what you're saying here.
 
[quote name='dallow']1. Do you want to play games stretched even if they're not widescreen, or do you want to play in whatever aspect ration the game is supposed to be in? Answer and I can help.

2. That's because God of War 1 has a "fake widescreen mode", like you said, it just chops off top and bottom. Play it in regular mode.

3. I'm not sure I understand what you're saying here.[/QUOTE]

1. Widescreen no matter what - which means it will be stretched for non widescreen games.

2. OK

3. God of War with progressive scan option set to ON (which forces it to 480P) looks MUCH better/crisper than progressive scan option OFF and upscaling to 720P.
 
[quote name='cheapfrag']1. Widescreen no matter what - which means it will be stretched for non widescreen games.

2. OK

3. God of War with progressive scan option set to ON (which forces it to 480P) looks MUCH better/crisper than progressive scan option OFF and upscaling to 720P.[/quote]

1. Ok. You'll have to live with the black bars then. Those are what is known as underscan. They're lines that normally are hidden when playing on a regular TV. You'll find that just about every older gen game has this. The bars are just part of the image.
Google "underscan" and you'll see better explanations.

3. It looks better because the game changes so that it's optimized for it's own progressive mode. I would also play with it on in 480p.

Hehe, probably not the answers you wanted to hear.
 
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