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

seanr, a guy at work told me he uses eyeconnect to connect his PS3 and Mac. It's not free, but it does work.

Can anyone tell me if I can change the default background of the ps3 menu? The black is a little dark.
 
Yea thanks MTX. Eye connect was neat for the month I used it. I suppose I could keep downloading the month trial.

As for the background, no. However, the colors change depending on the month/time of day.

I'd imagine a future firmware update will allow you to put in custom backgrounds similar to the psp.
 
A few questions..

Can the tilt feature be disabled globally or do you have to do it for each individual game?

Do they have VGA cables for the PS3? I don't want to see the system on my TV, it wouldn't look that great.

I'm sitting this on a wired shelf on the bottom row, next to my 360. This should be alright, correct?

PS2 and PS1 games save directly onto the hard drive, right? I don't have a memory card that I'm transferring anything from so I don't need the adapter.

If I were to use the "PS2 to PS3" adapter, could I plug in a normal dual shock controller and get the rumble feature for all of the PS1 and PS2 games, so long as they originally supported it?
 
[quote name='Scorch']A few questions..

Can the tilt feature be disabled globally or do you have to do it for each individual game?

Do they have VGA cables for the PS3? I don't want to see the system on my TV, it wouldn't look that great.

I'm sitting this on a wired shelf on the bottom row, next to my 360. This should be alright, correct?

PS2 and PS1 games save directly onto the hard drive, right? I don't have a memory card that I'm transferring anything from so I don't need the adapter.

If I were to use the "PS2 to PS3" adapter, could I plug in a normal dual shock controller and get the rumble feature for all of the PS1 and PS2 games, so long as they originally supported it?[/quote]

1. Tilt is required in some games, and not in others. If it's optional, the default setting is usually off. Few games use it extensively. In Resistance, you just use it to shake off enemies when they grab you or if you're on fire. (shake shake)

2. No VGA option. Unless you use some kind of converter, but even that wouldn't be a true VGA picture.

3. As long as the vent is clear, should be fine.

4. Yeah, you create virtual mem cards on the hard drive.

5. 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.
 
I really want to pick up a PS3 before they begin the emulation.

My PS2 is almost on ebay; there's just one tiny problem I see.

Haven't been able to find any information online, but I have a metal DDR mat for my PS2. It connects to one of those control boxes that then plugs into the PS2 controller slot.

My question is this: will it be useable on a PS3? I really don't want to sell my PS2 if I cannot use the metal mat I paid for. But, I'd rather not keep my PS2 around either.
 
[quote name='dallow']1. Tilt is required in some games, and not in others. If it's optional, the default setting is usually off. Few games use it extensively. In Resistance, you just use it to shake off enemies when they grab you or if you're on fire. (shake shake)

2. No VGA option. Unless you use some kind of converter, but even that wouldn't be a true VGA picture.

3. As long as the vent is clear, should be fine.

4. Yeah, you create virtual mem cards on the hard drive.

5. 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.[/quote]

Thanks for the quick response. It's unfortunate to hear that there's no VGA option, but it's nothing that's a deal breaker, either. Good to hear about the memory cards. Just picked up a black label FF7.. can't wait to start playing it. Never played through it before!
 
[quote name='Scorch']Thanks for the quick response. It's unfortunate to hear that there's no VGA option, but it's nothing that's a deal breaker, either. Good to hear about the memory cards. Just picked up a black label FF7.. can't wait to start playing it. Never played through it before![/quote]
Just make sure you create the virtual memory card first before you try to play the game. ;)
 
[quote name='mtxbass1']seanr, a guy at work told me he uses eyeconnect to connect his PS3 and Mac. It's not free, but it does work.

Can anyone tell me if I can change the default background of the ps3 menu? The black is a little dark.[/quote]

It's probably a little late (and it's most likely been mentioned already... if so, I second it.)

But I use Twonkyvision to great effect (the latest version works specifically with the PS3 and 360)... sharing my music and movies between my Mac and 360/PS3.

I enjoy using custom soundtracks while playing things like Uno or whatnot, and having it work with my PS3 as well is just a bonus. (I used to use 360connect, but it didn't like my custom firmware of my linksys router... that has since died from a power surge dangit...)

I watched "Devil Girl from Mars" on my TV streaming from my Mac... (and my rip of Godzilla:2000 too..) Pretty snazzy, and dang simple to set up to boot.

(I cannot compare it to eye-connect, because I only heard of TwonkyVision at the time I was searching for a streaming server solution.)
 
OP updated. Thanks again everyone. Great job as well, dallow. FYI, I'm just putting a general thanks at the bottom of the OP instead of at the end of every answer for easier formatting. I'm also trying to reword some of your answers so it's a smaller FAQ for new users. I don't intend to take credit for your responses and if I mistate something, please let me know.

Anyway, got a question myself: How the hell do I configure the network settings? Is there a really good step-by-step guide somewhere, 'cause I can't figure it out. The "IP Check" and "Internet Connection" tests pass, but logging onto the PlayStation Network always fails for me. I tried both wired and wireless, but would prefer wired. I just plugged in my 360 and it seemed to work off the bat, but I don't know how to figure out all these settings to check on my PC and router. Thanks for your help.
 
great thread....definitely going to try the HDD switching....to the CAGers that did it, how do u transfer stuff back to the new HDD?
 
[quote name='177adjen17']great thread....definitely going to try the HDD switching....to the CAGers that did it, how do u transfer stuff back to the new HDD?[/quote]

What kind of stuff? If you mean games or anything downloaded off the PSN you should be able to download them again (up to 5 times) onto the new HD.

Game saves/Music/Images/Movies? Copy to a portable storage device via USB off old HD, then upload them back to the new one once installed.
 
huge question or not:

immediatly after I hooked up and started using my PS3 I uploaded some of my PSP mp4 videos onto the system. What was nice was that all the videos I uploaded from the PSP now have a small 15 second animation of the video. All other files I've uploaded don't seem to do that... >_< can someone explain to me how to get it so all my video files will haev that cool 15 second animation.

if you don't know what I'm talking about, it's the icon in the games section the defines each game, but like the animated ones (ala Ridge Racer 7 Demo).
 
[quote name='NamPaehc']What kind of stuff? If you mean games or anything downloaded off the PSN you should be able to download them again (up to 5 times) onto the new HD.

Game saves/Music/Images/Movies? Copy to a portable storage device via USB off old HD, then upload them back to the new one once installed.[/quote]

stuff mostly from the PSN....i wanted to avoid whole downloading them again from PSN and just transfer them from the old HDD...or is that the only option i really have? also do "user accounts" get affected by the move?

[quote name='RelentlessRolento']huge question or not:

immediatly after I hooked up and started using my PS3 I uploaded some of my PSP mp4 videos onto the system. What was nice was that all the videos I uploaded from the PSP now have a small 15 second animation of the video. All other files I've uploaded don't seem to do that... >_< can someone explain to me how to get it so all my video files will haev that cool 15 second animation.

if you don't know what I'm talking about, it's the icon in the games section the defines each game, but like the animated ones (ala Ridge Racer 7 Demo).[/quote]

upload and play the vid on PS3...press triangle...look for "change icon"( looks like a mini crossbar).....from there u can pretty much choose where u want to start the 15sec vid...
 
I've got a question that sadly may determine whether I get a PS3 now (because I'm being threatened with an almost immediate loss of EE) or later. And I'm afraid the answer is no, but: Can I use my PS1/PS2 S-Video cable for the PS3? Because if I get a PS3 to play PS2 games now, I either have to buy an S-Video or Component cable for it that will be replaced in a few months when I get an HDTV, or suffer for months with Composite, which will be a visual downgrade from my PS2. Anyone?
 
[quote name='cleaver']Do you need a remote control to play movies, is it a good idea to get a remote, or does it not really matter?[/quote]You don't need a remote to play movies. The GUI for movie control is pretty similar to the PS2...just press the triangle button to bring it up. If you're a heavy movie watcher, though, I'd recommend getting the BR remote. It gives you quicker access to all the controls, plus with the benefit of using Bluetooth, it will not need line of sight to the system to function.

[quote name='javeryh']If I buy a PS3 is there ANY reason to hang on to my PStwo? This is critical for WAF.[/quote]Though the backwards compatibility is pretty robust, there's a few games out there that have problems and some peripherals (Guitar Hero controller is one, I think) don't function on the PS3.

This site will let you search any PS1 and PS2 games for incompatibilities with PS3, providing detailed problems for each game.

[quote name='SteveMcQ']How the hell do I configure the network settings? Is there a really good step-by-step guide somewhere, 'cause I can't figure it out. The "IP Check" and "Internet Connection" tests pass, but logging onto the PlayStation Network always fails for me. I tried both wired and wireless, but would prefer wired. I just plugged in my 360 and it seemed to work off the bat, but I don't know how to figure out all these settings to check on my PC and router. Thanks for your help.[/quote]Bump since I wanna know start downloading stuff from the PS Store.
 
[quote name='javeryh']If I buy a PS3 is there ANY reason to hang on to my PStwo? This is critical for WAF.[/quote]Though the backwards compatibility is pretty robust, there's a few games out there that have problems and some peripherals (Guitar Hero controller, I think) don't function on the PS3.

This site will let you search any PS1 and PS2 games for incompatibilities with PS3, providing detailed problems for each game.
 
Here is an odd one. Last night I was messing around with the system settings. I have the video feed 1080p hooked up via HDMI and 5.1 via optical going directly to my reciever. Yes I changed the sound output to optical in the system options. I popped in Pirates Dead Mans Chest and it worked perfectly. After that I threw in Gladiator and the PS3 spits out an error that it cannot play this disc with some goofey error code.

Anyone else have trouble playing Gladiator DVD with a similar setup?
 
[quote name='pete5883']I've got a question that sadly may determine whether I get a PS3 now (because I'm being threatened with an almost immediate loss of EE) or later. And I'm afraid the answer is no, but: Can I use my PS1/PS2 S-Video cable for the PS3? Because if I get a PS3 to play PS2 games now, I either have to buy an S-Video or Component cable for it that will be replaced in a few months when I get an HDTV, or suffer for months with Composite, which will be a visual downgrade from my PS2. Anyone?[/quote]

Yes, they are interchangable.
So use the S-Video on the PS3 from your PS2.

I will be answering a ton of everyone's questions tonight, please check back!!!
 
I don't think I already asked this..

if a game was playable online via PS2, will it work on PS3? Like RE: Outbreak.
 
maybe you should put in the OP which cables you can use from monoprice?I just ordered them but they don't say all the crap the PS3 does but more like "scientific names" like male to male.
 
[quote name='Scorch']I don't think I already asked this..

if a game was playable online via PS2, will it work on PS3? Like RE: Outbreak.[/quote]
It should. I just got online with MLB 07 to download rosters and sliders. I believe there's something to download in the PS Store for PS2 games that used the hard drive.
 
[quote name='snakelda']maybe you should put in the OP which cables you can use from monoprice?I just ordered them but they don't say all the crap the PS3 does but more like "scientific names" like male to male.[/quote]How do you suggest I word it? "Male to male" HDMI cable is probably the easiest way so that's how monoprice lists them.
 
[quote name='177adjen17']

upload and play the vid on PS3...press triangle...look for "change icon"( looks like a mini crossbar).....from there u can pretty much choose where u want to start the 15sec vid...then just dl it back to psp[/QUOTE]


nice, huge thx. I was trying to use trianlge from outside of the movie playing on the file to get the icon, but didn't realize it was within the video playing.
 
hmm....that and/or put links of the cables[quote name='SteveMcQ']How do you suggest I word it? "Male to male" HDMI cable is probably the easiest way so that's how monoprice lists them.[/quote]
 
[quote name='Scorch']I don't think I already asked this..

if a game was playable online via PS2, will it work on PS3? Like RE: Outbreak.[/QUOTE]PS2 online games work on PS3; however, for voicechat, you gotta use a USB headset. Also to let you know, RE Outbreak already had its server cut anyway (a friend who played a lot told me).
 
Does PS3 have low-power downloading like 360 (shut off console, but background downloading of your cue continues)? Also, can I play games while downloads continue in the background?
 
Well, I'll put it this way. When downloading from the PS Store, you can choose to download in the background. You can download in the background while playing PS3 games (in offline play, not online multi-player), while playing PS1 games (downloads and disc based games), and while browsing the XMB. If you turn the console off, play a DVD, PS2 game, etc., the download will stop, and when you sign back on online, the download will resume. You can download several things in a row (forgot the number, I believe up to 16 in the background).
 
is there an adapter yet to use a universal remote?

did they fix the erasing of the ps1 and ps2 memory cards after transferring.

is it safe to swap out hard drives? which ones would you recommend? and what is the difference between the ones you buy and the one that is already installed?

if i hook up hdmi should have my optical take care of audio or leave the hdmi to do that job?
 
[quote name='shadylane']is there an adapter yet to use a universal remote?

did they fix the erasing of the ps1 and ps2 memory cards after transferring.

is it safe to swap out hard drives? which ones would you recommend? and what is the difference between the ones you buy and the one that is already installed?

if i hook up hdmi should have my optical take care of audio or leave the hdmi to do that job?[/quote]1) I've not see an adapter to use a universal remote.

2) Bump

3) Perfectly safe, just follow the video in the OP. There's HDD recommendations on page two or three. The only major difference would obviously be an upgrade in HDD size. Just be certain it's a SATA 2.5 in drive. And I'm not sure if anyone's found out if there's a limit to the HDD size a PS3 can recognize, but the 120GBs seem to be working for everyone.

4) Good question. I was tyring to think of a way to word this in the OP, but haven't figured it out yet.

If your receiver has HDMI inputs, then just use that since it's one less cable to run. But if the only HDMI input you have is on your TV, then you're gonna need an optical cable to handle surround sound.
 
Is there a way to download japanese demos/games from my US PS3? On XBL you can make a japanese account and have access to the japanese demos and such.
 
[quote name='shadylane']is there an adapter yet to use a universal remote?

did they fix the erasing of the ps1 and ps2 memory cards after transferring.

is it safe to swap out hard drives? which ones would you recommend? and what is the difference between the ones you buy and the one that is already installed?

if i hook up hdmi should have my optical take care of audio or leave the hdmi to do that job?[/QUOTE]
1). This is an IR Dongle with remote. I have not heard anyone test it to make sure it works with universal remotes.

2. Data saves do NOT erase on your previous memory cards when transferring them to the PS3 HDD. You can now transfer PS1/PS2 data saves back to a PS1/PS2 memory card since firmware update 1.8.

3). I heard it's very easy. Make sure it is a serial ATA (or SATA I think, someone correct me) 2.5" HDD. RPM does not make a difference and the higher you get, just produces more heat. 5400 RPM is good enough. Secondly, cache plays a big role. The bigger the cache, that better (games that utilize the HDD will load faster with a higher cache. The 20GB has a 2MB cache compared to the 60GB having a 8MB cache, which explains why it takes 10 seconds for GripShift to load off the 60GB HDD while it takes 30 seconds to load off the 20GB HDD). 16MB cache is the best, but hard to find.

4). You can do either I believe. I just use HDMI to carry the sound. Much easier, since the PS3 will do an automatic configuration through HDMI.
[quote name='chodax']Is there a way to download japanese demos/games from my US PS3? On XBL you can make a japanese account and have access to the japanese demos and such.[/QUOTE]
Create a Japanese account. You can google about creating a Japanese PSN account, and you'll find sites how to do it. It's really easy and you can play the Japanese stuff with your U.S. account.

However, as a warning, SCE is looking to crackdown on fake accounts from other countries. As a warning, there have been reports of some getting banned on PSN for doing this, which is why I removed my U.K. account and won't login to my Japanese account anymore. The paid content though, you cannot access for now unless you find Japanese PSN cards in yen.
 
[quote name='chodax']Wow I wonder why they are so against it. Guess it's not worth doing.[/QUOTE]Well, the same reason why MS wants to delete them. When Sony launches their online movie, music, etc. download service, many publishers want to keep their content regional, not worldwide. That's part of the reason Sony wants to crackdown on it now until it becomes a problem.

The other problem is that Sony may send stuff to addresses. And if the thing can't be delivered due to a fake address, Sony is going to be ticked because they paid shipping (similar to those who make a fake Euro account, got an email from Sony saying they get a free Casino Royale blu-ray disc. I know I got one).

I'm not saying you'll be caught, because there have been many who weren't. I believe there's something in the long agreement saying not to do it. IMO, right now it isn't really worth it to have a Japan account (unless you want to try Folklore now, but it's heavily Japanese). Before there was a good reason, when Hot Shots Golf 5 was up (now its gone, since it was a limited time).
 
ok so a 2.5 with 120gb and 16 mb of cache is the best...hmmm so no online retailer sells these? whats the price range on them??
 
wow those are alot of hard drives. any particular one your looking at? also do name brands matter? which is the name brand on the sony one?
 
I'm looking at either 160GB or 250GB. I store lots of music and videos on my PS3, plus I download almost every demo, game from the PS Store (no joke), and many PS1 downloads in the future. 160GB seems reasonably priced, but I kind of want the big storage, so I may go 250GB.

I'm not too sure what brand the HDD is inside PS3, but I could have sworn it was Seagate (maybe Western Digital, but I'm guessing Seagate). IGN did a HDD swap and they mentioned the brand, I believe.
 
You guys do know that you don't have to upgrade the HD right?

IF you want, you can also use an external USB HD. Only you won't be able to download/install games, but I have one myself. I own a 500GB HD (over kill I know but hey I got a good deal) and store all my music and movies on it.

Only thing you'll need to do is set it to SATA (think that is right) which I just downloaded a program and it reformated the HD for me in one minute.
 
One thing I'd like to see explored further is the TV lockups via HDMI.

When I first got my PS3, the my Norcent TV would lock-up, when the PS3 was booting, the next to last firmware fix seems to address the issue.

Now, with the latrest firmware update, I have rare TV freezing again.
 
[quote name='NamPaehc']You guys do know that you don't have to upgrade the HD right?

IF you want, you can also use an external USB HD. Only you won't be able to download/install games, but I have one myself. I own a 500GB HD (over kill I know but hey I got a good deal) and store all my music and movies on it.

Only thing you'll need to do is set it to SATA (think that is right) which I just downloaded a program and it reformated the HD for me in one minute.[/QUOTE]Yeah, I know, but 20GB still isn't enough for my gaming stuff, so I'm looking at getting a larger HDD in the first place. I just don't want to connect many internal devices to my PS3 regularly, so that's why I'm looking towards a larger one. ;)
 
I have a rather... broad question. My new PS3 has a controller problem. I emailed Amazon.com about it (where I bought it from) and they said they have to replace everything (not just the controller). This won't cause any problems, besides having to download all the stuff I already downloaded and setting up my options again... will it? Like user accounts or anything?

Just want to make sure it will only be a slight hassle instead of a major one. I could always just eat the loss ($40), but I'd obviously rather not.
 
Something I want to ask. I have my PS3 hooked up to my TV via HDMI cable. The highest resolution of my set is 1080i. When I turn on my PS3 it is displayed in 1080i, but when I put in Resistance my resolution drops down to 780p. Is that normal or does Resistance no display in 1080i?
 
[quote name='Dante Devil']Something I want to ask. I have my PS3 hooked up to my TV via HDMI cable. The highest resolution of my set is 1080i. When I turn on my PS3 it is displayed in 1080i, but when I put in Resistance my resolution drops down to 780p. Is that normal or does Resistance no display in 1080i?[/quote]

Yes. Some of the early games that run in 720p do not upscale. This number is very small and mainly, Resistance is the one that stands out the most. A lot of PS3 games are built to run at good frame rates on 720p, but they can upscale if the developers put it into the game. Most of them are now since launch, so this issue has more or less been addressed.

There is nothing wrong with your PS3/TV/Game.

Perhasps if they re-release Resistance in some sort of specail edtion with new content, it'll allow upscaling.
 
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