Author Topic: The Official Playstation 3 Thread (Read 64158 times)

BigDnm01 · « **Reply #260 on:** August 30, 2009, 07:03:47 AM »

^So Laptop hard drives and not Desktop HD? Okay got it, thanks for the info. i dunno about Linux, but if it's only that, then it make my decision easier.

And I guess the backward-compatibility is true on the games right? but what about the accessories?

champloofan · « **Reply #261 on:** August 30, 2009, 09:23:34 AM »

The Slim is not backwards-compatible with PS2 games... only PS1 games. None of the PS3 systems sold now are PS2 backwards compatible - you would have to order a used one. PS2 accessories should work fine as long as you have the proper converters, like USB, for it. Something like the Western Digital Scorpio is the kind of HD you would need to upgrade it to a bigger size. I am not sure if the Slim allows you to upgrade the size, but the other models definitely do.

RoyMoy · « **Reply #262 on:** September 01, 2009, 02:24:57 AM »

Quote from: champloofan on August 30, 2009, 09:23:34 AM

The Slim is not backwards-compatible with PS2 games... only PS1 games. None of the PS3 systems sold now are PS2 backwards compatible - you would have to order a used one. PS2 accessories should work fine as long as you have the proper converters, like USB, for it. Something like the Western Digital Scorpio is the kind of HD you would need to upgrade it to a bigger size. I am not sure if the Slim allows you to upgrade the size, but the other models definitely do.

The slim HD is upgradable with any standard HD. Again, the only step back seems to be the lack of Linux support.

Mugen · « **Reply #263 on:** October 14, 2009, 08:16:16 AM »

lol i see a lot of us are playing uncharted 2

Fenrir · « **Reply #264 on:** October 14, 2009, 10:45:40 AM »

But somebody didn't want to play online! T_T

Mugen · « **Reply #265 on:** October 14, 2009, 11:01:06 AM »

lol fine we'll play next time your on!

BigDnm01 · « **Reply #266 on:** December 01, 2009, 07:02:38 AM »

I'm thinking about buying the PS3 Slim 250GB. I wanna know:

-is it true that the Slim version isn't backward compatible with PS2 games?
-does PS3 support WPA2 TKIP or AES wireless security enabled network? p.s. The PSP only uses WEP, not WPA2, so that's why I ask.

Mugen · « **Reply #267 on:** December 01, 2009, 07:23:23 AM »

the only backward compatible ps3 is the 60GB one which they have discontinued. though theres been a lot of rumors that some other versions might get an update that let their ps3 play ps2 games. but mostly unlikely.

no idea about the wireless thing

BigDnm01 · « **Reply #268 on:** December 02, 2009, 11:01:38 PM »

another question, about the bluetooth headset. would any bluetooth headset device for phones work on PS3 and vice versa?

Wonderboy · « **Reply #269 on:** December 02, 2009, 11:27:14 PM »

I use a Sony Ericsson, the same for my phone. It works perfectly.
I guess a lot of headset are compatible... but you'll need to try for sure. Try to google the brand you want...

For the Wifi, mine works with WPA-TKIP.

BigDnm01 · « **Reply #270 on:** December 04, 2009, 06:53:13 PM »

I'm thinking about buying a PS3 Slim 250GB(for $349) or 120GB($299), either way is fine, since I could always by a 320 or 500GB hd and place it in.
But that's not my problem, what is, is that I just read some rumors that Tekken 6, the game I was gonna buy for $59.99, may be bundle with the 250GB for around $320 (349 Euro). If that's true than I could really save like $100 from that bundle. but what I'm not sure is that these rumors started in Oct, 6-7. now it's december and I was wondering if it's still a rumor or it already pass. some did say it's for Christmas, which I hope is right. If the rumors is no longer true than maybe I should go ahead and buy it.
btw, if the bundle is around $320 for the 250GB, then the console itself should be less, so are we looking at another price drop for PS3?

Asmodai · « **Reply #271 on:** December 04, 2009, 08:28:36 PM »

That would be a nice bundle for me too.

Yuna · « **Reply #272 on:** December 04, 2009, 09:53:40 PM »

A price drop so soon is unlikely, especially because even though sony did manage to reduce the costs with the ps3, they are not making that much money of sales because of the price drop.

If I were you, I'd buy it now. My personal recommendation: Uncharted 2 !!! That's an awesome game not only single player but multiplayer too.

The hard drive, you can always change it, but 120Gb seems more than enough too me. I have the 160Gb (bought in japan) and puttign a lot of useless videos, demos and installs (optional or not) have not even used half of the hard drive capacity.

So unless you play, say 2 MMOs (FFXIV and DC Online) I doubt you'll need that much more space soon.

BigDnm01 · « **Reply #273 on:** December 05, 2009, 12:29:32 AM »

btw, with the hd, if I did do a swap, is there any need for a reboot or anything of that sort? or does it act mostly like a Mass Storage device class, like a usb memory flash?

also, a semi-crucial question. since PS3 can plays videos and music from the hd, I assuming that I can also do the drag-and-drop videos from dvds onto the hard drives, right? and what type of formats does the PS3 plays, avi, mkv, mpgs, ogg,etc? and what about codecs, does it support codecs for videos, can we download and install codecs onto the ps3?

Yuna · « **Reply #274 on:** December 05, 2009, 01:45:05 AM »

Lots of questions

hehe let's go one by one

[quotebtw, with the hd, if I did do a swap, is there any need for a reboot or anything of that sort? or does it act mostly like a Mass Storage device class, like a usb memory flash?[/quote]
You'll have to back up all your date. And don't think any hard drive will just do. Even though there are lots compatible, only one specific kind are "officially" supported. I can't tell you which because I didn't do it, but it's easy to find, because I've found it by accident while looking through other stuff.

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since PS3 can plays videos and music from the hd, I assuming that I can also do the drag-and-drop videos from dvds onto the hard drives, right?

Yes, you can.

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and what type of formats does the PS3 plays, avi, mkv, mpgs, ogg,etc?

Avis and mpegs it plays just the day you open the box. wmv you have to activate in the options, simple enough.
The other ones the answer get's a little more complicated.
1. You can play them, however to play MKVs you have to either convert them to another format, which I just forgot the extension name m2ts (I think), which is pretty quick because you don't need to reenconde anything. I have done that to watch Batman Dark Knight from a Bluray Rip and it worked wonders.

2. Or you can stream MKVs from your computer, in this case, whatever the format, the video will be streamed to the ps3 in a readable format. I've done this this past month to watch animes, video clips, rips from other blurays and all works wonder too. Only problem I had is when I watched 1080p videos WITH subtitles. Then in this case the video lags, but without subs or using an AVI video, which the subs are already in the file, no lag at all.

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and what about codecs, does it support codecs for videos, can we download and install codecs onto the ps3?

No need for any codecs, given the answer I gave you for the other question. But just to make it more obvious: you CAN'T install any codecs, but you don't have to.

BigDnm01 · « **Reply #275 on:** December 05, 2009, 09:24:03 AM »

thank you, yuna, for all that info.

I'm intrigued now, what do you mean by streaming mkvs and how do I go on and do that? I'm sorry, but I'm not that tech savvy. a tutorial would be nice...
also, how should I convert mkv, what software?

I bought my PS3 250GB Slim with Tekken 6, YAY!
haven't really got into the game yet, just a bit of 2 player vs battle.
anyway, I'm exploring the PS3 and WOW, it got great graphics lots of stuff. I even try to play couple of data dvds and avi and mp3, wmas on usb and seems to work well, although I have to "Display ALL" everytime, it's annoying, how can I just leave it display all, all the time?

anyway, found that under music, there is a playlist options, just like my psp. now I successfully import my playlists and songs from my pc to my psp using media Go manager. now How can I do the same for the PS3? or that it can't be done?

BTW, what is a Media Server and how does it work? what do I need to make it work?

Yuna · « **Reply #276 on:** December 05, 2009, 03:39:15 PM »

No problem. I won't give a long explanation this time because I just came back from Japanese class and I'm a little tired hehe.

To convert MKV: there's this forum called www.videohelp.com It's an amazing place with lot's of tutorials and all. But to search for PS3, there's a few program with "PS3 Converter" in their names which could do the trick.

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... "Display ALL" everytime, it's annoying, how can I just leave it display all, all the time?

You don't have to. For different things, if you put the name of the folder in the root of your USB thing, it'll read it right of the bat.
e.g. : If you put a folder called VIDEOS (must be in capital letters) it'll read all the videos on it without the need of the "display all" function. There's also this for photos, but now I don't remember if it's PHOTO or PICTURE (and I don't remember if it's plural or not), and also MUSIC.
But nevertheless in the official PS3 site there's the info for it, and it's not hard to find (in the forums it's easier to find).

The playlist thing I honestly have no clue. I've never used it.

The media server:
That's a little more complicated. Short answer, there this FREE program called PS3 Media Server, which let's you watch videos in your ps3 "through the air", all you need is to have your ps3 in the same wireless connection (it can also be wired, but must be on the same router as your PC).
This program is so good the configures everything for you without you having to break a sweat.
I tried other ones, but I must confess, no one, even paid ones, weren't as great or easy to use as this one.

If you don't understand I'll try to explain better next time !

BigDnm01 · « **Reply #277 on:** December 05, 2009, 05:12:04 PM »

thanks for everything, Yuna.

Fenrir · « **Reply #278 on:** December 06, 2009, 11:15:48 AM »

PS3 Media Server

It plays all my videos without me having to re-encode everything to PS3 playable. Just have to go to the transcode folder if the original file you are trying to play doesn't work on the PS3 and play the file from there. The program will do all the work for you. But like Yuna said, just need to have your PC and PS3 on the same network.

Asmodai · « **Reply #279 on:** December 07, 2009, 08:20:09 AM »

Comparison/Review/Thoughts on PS3 (and my other consoles)...

I was recently convinced by boredom and some very impressive upcoming games to buy a PS3. So far I'm very impressed with it.

This thread is more or less my comments and random thoughts with some comparisons to my other consoles (Wii, PS2, PSP).

Physical Dimensions: First off, the physical thing itself. It's big. This is the smaller, slim version and it's still bigger than my original fat PS2 and dwarfs the Wii by about 8-1 in total volume. Currently it sits on top of the PS2 with the back 3 inches or so hanging off. This isn't really ideal, but it's too big to fit elsewhere. One minor annoyance is that the top of the unit is sloped so you can't store anything on top of it. I'm guess that this was done to allow heat dissipation, but it doesn't stop the PS3 from being a hog.

The PS3 connects to the TV with a standard HDMI cable – no need for a special HD cable as with the Wii. This earns it major bonus points. HDMI also gives it better sound and picture quality. (I have the Wii or PSP connected with Y/G/B cables and the PS2 with a standard AV cable.) Like the Wii, the PS3 uses a disc slot rather than a tray. It works.

The front of the console is pretty close to the PS2 – power on and eject buttons and a couple USB ports. No controller or memory card ports though – but they're not needed because of the hard drive and Bluetooth. Still, this means I can't transfer over saves from my PS1 games.

Unlike the PS2 and Wii, the PS3 doesn't have a vertical stand. Like I said, it's a space hog. It's the fat guy on the airplane who sprawls out over the armrests and fully reclines his seat.

Controllers: The PS3 controller is a wireless version of the PS2 controller with one extra “PS” button to access the X-Bar, a USB port for recharging and redesigned rear shoulder buttons. The rear buttons press in a bit more at an angle. It's a minor change and doesn't impair the operation at all. It's slightly lighter than the PS2 controller as well.

No complaints about that – it's the same design the PS1 used as well and it's familiar and works fine. The wireless aspect is very handy – it's only when I go back to play PS2 games that I realize how nice it is.

Aside from a a different shape (flat vs. prongs), the Wii Classic Controller has all the same buttons in the same positions as the Playstation. The main difference are that you can't press the analog sticks for games really needing a 16th and 17th button and the Wii Classic doesn't have force feedback.

The D-Pad on the PS3 controller is mediocre at best. Doing special moves in Street Fighter Alpha 2 (which doesn't support the sticks) is a trying experience. The Wii and PSP both perform better in that regard. Most PS3 games seem to realize this and use the D-Pad as four extra buttons rather than as a traditional D-Pad. It works fine for Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

Tastes will differ, but I find the PS3 controller to the winner of the lot. Wireless is useful, it's lightweight and doesn't chew through batteries like the Wii Remote. It's also a lot more comfortable to hold for a long time than the Wii Classic.

The PS3 also apparently has a primitive form of motion detection. The only game I've found so far that uses this is Little Big Planet. The responsiveness and usefulness of the six-axis lags pretty far behind the Wiimote. You couldn't do Wii Sports or even No More Heroes on the PS3.

Remotes: The PS3 has a Bluetooth remote – the upshot of this is that it doesn't need line-of-sight like the PS2 remote did. It also runs on AA batteries instead of the more expensive AAA its predecessor required. The remote for the PS3 is laid out better than the PS2 remote. It adds a few colored buttons, which I'm guess are for BluRay stuff – but it loses the audio-CD programming buttons. Ultimately, I don't really care. The PS3 has MP3 playlists built into its software – so it's a much better music player regardless.

The remote is much bigger – it's roughly 30% longer and 300% taller than the PS3 remote. Surprisingly, it's also lighter. Unfortunately, you can't point it at the screen to move a cursor like with the Wii remote. This would have been handy for navigating menus and webpages.

Online Functionality: The PS3 wins this one hands down. The Wii's virtual console is pretty amazing – but the PS3 Store is at least as good. This is mostly because of the hard drive. It's pretty easy to download games and demos. The only negative is the install time and occasionally not being able to use the console while it's updating stuff.

The PS3 also has some nice media server technology. After about 5 minutes setting up Java PS3 Media Server on my PC, I can stream videos, music and photos to the PS3 in my living room. This is pretty amazing stuff – and it works well most of the time. HD videos do stutter a bit since my router isn't that fast – but it's also possible to copy the videos for smoother playback.

I really haven't used the PS3's web browser much – it seems fully functional, although navigation and zooming isn't as intuitive and with the Wii. The Life with Playstation apps aren't are easy to use or useful as the Wii's weather and News programs either.

I never got the online add-on for the PS2, so I can't comment on that.

Movies: DVD movie playback is fine – very high quality. I don't own any Blu-Rays yet, so I can't comment on those. Switching audio and subtitles on the remote was very fast and easy. Since connections only my TV are at a premium, it's nice to combine functionality. There's not a whole lot to say – the basics haven't changed since DVDs came out.

Legacy Emulation: I had a couple PS1 games I got for my PSP, and they work great on the PS3 too. Being able to play Symphony of the Night on both systems for a budget price is pretty amazing. Sadly current generation releases (e.g. echochrome) don't replicate this. The Wii emulates Gamecube games, but this feature is lost on me since I never owned a Gamecube.

Game Boxes: The game boxes are oddly sized – being somewhat shorter than DVD boxes with two cross-bars to prevent crushing. I'm not really sure why this is. They're shorter than PSP boxes – so there's not even consistency there. The boxes are also clear and kinda ugly. This is a pretty petty gripe – but I've been spoiled by the uniform white Wii cases on my shelf. PS3 games just look messy by comparison. Was the extra plastic to match up with Wii/PS2/DVD/everything else really that expensive? (Of course, since the size of the disc hasn't changed, they could just go back to jewel cases which stack nicely in CD towers and waste a lot less space. Little Timmy isn't going to pass up God of War III in favor of Warcraft II Battlechest just because the latter comes in a bigger box.)

Games: I haven't had a chance to play a lot yet – mostly a few demos, a game of NHL 2K9 and Saints' Row 2. (They were on sale for $8 and $20 respectively when I bough the system.)

They're very pretty, as expected. The controls are fairly intuitive and consistent across pretty much every 3rd person platformer I've played.

I'm getting Uncharted 1 because it's $5 with a second controller and Assassin's Creed 2 next.

I enjoyed the demo for LittleBigPlanet, though it seems like the sort of game that could rapidly become repetitive so I'm still on the fence about it.

I've got a decent list of games that interest me (Bioshock II, Uncharted 2, Bayonetta, Demon's Souls, Red Dead Redemption, Final Fantasy XIII, Tekken 6) and I'll probably get a couple cheaper games from the online store (Street Fighter II HD Remix, Final Fantasy VII, Braid).

That list is a little short on RPGs, so I'm open for suggestions for some good ones. I've already played Dragon Age, Fallout 3 and Oblivion on the PC. Some JRPG's in the tradition of Parasite Eve, Shadowhearts and Xenogears would be nice if anyone has recommendations.