Playstation 3 discussion thread

[Chris D]

Whoa, Doug went hog wild on gaming!

[basementjack]

Hey Chris -

I Highly reccomend the driving series 'Burnout' for your PS3 (currently there are 4 titles for the PS2, Burnout 5 will release to the PS3 this year)

Grand Turismo I Would call a sim. Sims are no fun (hit one wall in a race, and you've lost - lifelike-yes, fun-no.

Need for speed is cool visually, and they have licensed the use of real cars, which you can mod by replacing the tires and engines etc... I think this is really fun for some people. I never really like the way the cars handled though...

Burnout is more of an arcade fun game - I show this to people when they come over and I can't get the controller out of thier hand - good for kids, good for grown ups, good for boys and girls, moms and dads.

Racing in burnout is really fun. the control of the cars is awesome (briefly tap the breaks before going into a turn and you do a very satisfying drift through the turn) One of the things I really like about the game is that it is as much fun to loose as it is to win - it's as much fun to watch as it is to play. When you crash, your car goes flying, trucks on the highway skid and fishtail, it's amusing to watch.

Speaking of crashing, Burnout has a crash mode where you are given a scenario and asked to rack up a certain amount of damage - for example you drive as fast as you can into an intersection with traffic - This is a blast in all the games - though I really like how they did it in Burnout 2.


Marzen - check out tversity.com - a universal back end media server.

- Jack

[Pez]

Update: Got the wireless working, had to go into the settings for the wireless router and disable the SSID broadcast.

I had been using a USB memory stick to update the firmware, pretty cool how I can connect the stick right into a controller port.

Question for those that have watched blue-ray moives on the PS3, how is the audio? Is it the same as a SD DVD sound track?

[Chris D]

Pez, well, if you're just using the optical digital audio out now, yes, it's pretty much the same as SD-DVD. Optical can only carry the legacy audio formats that you find on SD, such as DTS and DD. However, I'm finding that the movie companies are putting much higher quality audio tracks on BD, even in the SD format. Part of this is that many of the movies have DTS lossless uncompressed Master Audio, or DD's equivalent, or whatever. The PS3 (and other BD players) will output this as DTS ES Discrete, which is definitely a step up from the typical DD5.1 or even DTS that you find on SD movie discs.

Rattle and Hum is in DTS ES for the first time ever, and it sounds incredible.

[Vinny]

A Japanese website called PC Watch announced Sony plan on releasing a new high end PS3. It equips 512mb XDR video memory, 2HDMI, low vibration bluray drive, new power supply and external design. It targets the video playback market. But the price is gonna be 20k-30k yen, which is US$1600-2500!

http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/

Seriously....... the price itself could go for an AV bluray player. Doesn't have to be PS3 itself.

[Pez]

Pez, well, if you're just using the optical digital audio out now, yes, it's pretty much the same as SD-DVD. Optical can only carry the legacy audio formats that you find on SD, such as DTS and DD. However, I'm finding that the movie companies are putting much higher quality audio tracks on BD, even in the SD format. Part of this is that many of the movies have DTS lossless uncompressed Master Audio, or DD's equivalent, or whatever. The PS3 (and other BD players) will output this as DTS ES Discrete, which is definitely a step up from the typical DD5.1 or even DTS that you find on SD movie discs.

Rattle and Hum is in DTS ES for the first time ever, and it sounds incredible.

Bear with me as I learn how the audio side of the next-gen DVD's work:

So if you watch the blue ray version or SD verison (which is on the other side of the disk, right?) with optical cable you get the DTS ES track? Can the PS3 output the HD audio formats? If so I would imagine through the HDMI cable even though there are no rec's or pre/pro's that can decode at this time. You would need a dedicated BR player to decode with multi-channel outputs for HD audio. Am I correct on this? Also, if the PS3 cant output HD audio can this feature be added through a firmware upgrade?

[Chris D]

No worries, Pez. If you play BD on ANY Blu-Ray player, (PS3 or otherwise) and if you use either an optical or coax digital audio cable, the BD player will output the highest audio stream it can for the audio you select. So if I play a BD disc with DTS Master Audio selected, the Blu-Ray player will output DTS-ES over the optical or coax. If you select uncompressed PCM audio, the Blu-Ray player will output Dolby Digital 5.1 or 6.1 over the optical or coax.

Different Blu-Ray players have different capabilities to output the new high-def audio formats over HDMI. Yes, the PS3 does have this capability with many of the formats, such as DTS-HD. Currently, HDMI is the only way to output the new HD audio formats and keep it digital, and yes, you would need a receiver/processor that can receive and decode those formats.

You are correct that the other way to use the new HD formats is via multichannel analog jacks. You would need a Blu-Ray (or HD-DVD) player that both has the multichannel analog outputs, AND has a built-in decoder for each of the various HD audio formats. Then your receiver/processor needs nothing more than multichannel analog inputs. Both the PS3 **and** the Xbox 360 w/ HD-DVD attachment do NOT have multichannel outputs.

So, the only way to get the new HD audio formats from the PS3 or X360 is over HDMI, with a receiver/processor that can receive and decode these via HDMI. The X360 has limitations in doing this (such as HDMI connectivity) but since this is about PS3, we'll focus there.

[Pez]

Got it, thanks so much Chris.

Back to what I got the PS3 for gaming. I downloaded the GT demo and its pretty sweet. The mountains in the background look awesome. First download through the wireless connection and took just over an hour.

[Brandon B]

I think I saw this posted here before, but I am not sure, so I am posting it again anyway.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9056068192424546470&hl=en

BB

[Chris D]

Interesting... Sony has begun to offer new movie trailers downloadable in HD from the Playstation Store. (for free, of course) This is a good move for Sony.

[Marzen]

Interesting... Sony has begun to offer new movie trailers downloadable in HD from the Playstation Store. (for free, of course) This is a good move for Sony.

Nice, I'll have to check that out in the morning, as well as the local video store for some BD movies.

-Ward

[Marzen]

Do you have a source or two where you read this? Since I may be using one for that next year, I'd like to read up on it.

BB

I have one bookmarked somewhere, I'll edit this later and add the link.
I have to disagree with the reviewer who said it looked 'flat and dull'. Granted, he had an expensive reference system compared to my $200 Toshiba.
Note: my PS3 outputs 480i when playing SD dvd's via component cables and I'm happy with my AX100 pj's upscaling to 720P.
-Ward

Edit: Here it is, see page 2 under Blu-Ray Movies. I just watched the same scene as the reviewer from Xmen 3 (Magneto moves the Golden Gate bridge) & don't share his opinion. I didn't see anything listed in the PS3 updates that addressed changing the way it handles SD dvd's.

http://www.avrev.com/equip/playstation_3/

[ekkoville]

Got two questions for you gaming guru's. The wireless feature for the PS3 is done with an adapter, correct? If so which one do you use. I was thinking of just connecting via Cat5 and be done. Next, playing TigerWoods07 it won't output widescreen video like the two other games I have. The only resolution my 4:3 Sony tube TV will support is 1080i, the others look scrambled when I try them, i.e. 720p. The quality is great, but I thought it would be in widescreen format since the game itself is HD. Note, I am video switching through a Rotel 1068, but never have any format issues.

[Chris D]

ekkoville, you can certainly connect ANY of the PS3's to a network or internet point with a Cat 5 ethernet cable. The 60GB model has wireless built in to it. You can add wireless to the 20GB model with a USB wireless adapter.

Huh... if you correctly set up the PS3 in the settings menu, it should always output the aspect ratio that you pick, ESPECIALLY on actual PS3 games. I haven't played Tiger Woods, though.

[Brandon B]

Thanks Marzen.

BB

[Ocelot]

Chris, I have question for you if I may.
I have my PS3 connected to my Rotel 1056 via the optical out.
I have the PS3 audio optical out setting set to bitstream, is this correct?
I have the Blu-Ray disc The Covenant, and when under audio I select PCM 5.1 my receiver switches to Prologic II, but when I pick Digital 5.1 it does go to Dobly Digital.
Thus any idea why i don't get Dobly Digital when selecting PCM 5.1 in the blu-ray audio?

Thanks for any help.

[Marzen]

DTS-HD support???

I'm confused by the wording beneath the graph that depicts what audio formats are available. I think it says that DTS-HD is not output as 7.1 but rather 5.1? And no mention of DD True-HD. Oh, obviously SACD is only available via hdmi due to the lack of discrete outputs.
This is the quote:
** A device compatible with Linear PCM 7.1 Ch. is required to output 7.1 Ch. audio from the HDMI OUT connector.
*** This system does not support output from the DTS-HD 7.1 Ch. DTS-HD 7.1 Ch audio is output from a 5.1 or lower channel.

PS3 Online Manual - Audio Frame
-Ward

[Chris D]

Ocelot - This is where we get into the new audio formats. (as well as Marzen's post) I **believe**, based on my knowledge so far, that PCM 5.1 is an uncompressed PCM stream that would be sent via HDMI 1.1 or higher to a receiver that can receive audio via HDMI. Thus, when you select PCM 5.1, it send out what it CAN over your selected audio connection. For optical or coax, it is not possible to send uncompressed versions of the new HD audio, so that's why I think if you select PCM 5.1, over optical you'll get basic PCM, which is NOT AC-3 Dolby Digital. (which your receiver will then use PLII or whatever you have set to use basic formats like that) Choose DD, DD EX, Dolby TrueHD, DD+, and you'll get either DD or DD EX over optical. Choose DTS, DTS ES, DTS-HD, or DTS-MA, and you'll get either DTS or DTS ES over optical.

Yes, bitstream is what you're going to want for optical.

Marzen, yes, I'm not sure why the PS3 would not be able to output DTS-HD as full 7.1 over HDMI if that's how it's encoded on the disk. Some limitation with the PS3? I don't think it has anything to do with the HDMI version.

[Lex]

looks like a pretty thorough read on the PS3 here:, compared to Xbox as well, makes you know what you are or are not getting.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/fun.gam...iew/index.html

[Ocelot]

Got it, thanks Chris

Edit: So why is Linear PCM a setting in optical out setting of the PS3?
Can some newer recievers accept this format?
My Rotel 1056 says it can take LPCM (up to 192K).

I have alot of learning to do, I just got all DD DST stuff firgured out, LOL
Heck, I didnt even know they made recievers that took a HDMI input.

[Marzen]

The Sony PlayStation 3 Dissected

Ooohhh....Look inside here at Daily Tech
Nice review on the 'guts'. If only there were support for an external 3.5" bay via USB...perhaps by fall.
-Ward

[Marzen]

How To Use ANY Bluetooth Headset With Your Playstation 3 PS3

I found this tonight:

So you've got your Playstation 3, a copy of Resistance: Fall Of Man and you're all setup to go multiplayer online. The only thing missing is a wireless headset to chat with your team right? The Playstation 3 uses Bluetooth for its wireless controllers which got me to thinking...what about a Bluetooth headset? Turns out you can pair ANY Bluetooth Headset with your PS3 for voice chat, here's how.

Turn on your Playstation 3, and from the main menu go to Settings - Accessory Settings - Register Bluetooth Device

You will be presented with two options:

Register BD Remote Control
Register Headset/Microphone/Headphones

Select Register Headset... and put your Bluetooth headset into pairing mode. On your PS3 select Start Scanning

Select your device and enter your pairing code. In most cases for audio devices the default pairing code is "0000"

Now on your PS3, go to Audio Device Settings and change your "Input Device" and "Output Device" to your Bluetooth headset name. Try speaking and watch your "Mic Level" move!

EDIT:
If you want to use your cell phone AND your PS3 you'll need a headset that supports pairing up with 2 devices. Then you can switch sources like you would switch lines on a phone system.

L3 (left joystick push button) seems to be the standard for 'Push to Talk'.

[Chris D]

Ah, that's more than I did when I set up my headset. I'll do it again!

[Marzen]

Anyone have a list of PS3 games that currently support chat over blue tooth? I was disappointed to read that Call of Duty 3 doesn't support blue tooth headsets.
-Ward

[Marzen]

Sony reply to Blue Tooth headsets...

Thank you for writing us.

Various PLAYSTATION(R)3 format software titles may support the use of a headset
for various in-game features. There are two types of ways a headset can be connected for use on the
PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system.

==========================
Bluetooth
==========================
The PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system is enabled with Bluetooth
technology which will accept Bluetooth wireless headsets. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc
(SCEA) does not have a list of recommended compatible Bluetooth headsets that will work with the
PLAYSTATION 3 system and cannot guarantee every Bluetooth headset will register or "pair" with the
PLAYSTATION 3 system.
We recommend you contact the manufacturer of your Bluetooth device to determine
if it is compatible with the PLAYSTATION(R)3 system.

To enable the use of your Bluetooth wireless headset on the PLAYSTATION(R)3
computer entertainment system, use the XMB on the PLAYSTATION 3 system's main menu to navigate to the
[Settings] icon and then scroll down to the "Accessory Settings". Select the "Register Bluetooth
Device" option to register or "pair" a Bluetooth-compatible headset with the PS3(TM) system.

Once the headset is registered you will have to make adjustments in the
[Settings>>Accessory
Settings>>Audio Device Settings] option before you can use the headset with
compatible PLAYSTATION(R)3 format software.

NOTE: Bluetooth-compatible headsets will not work with PlayStation(R)2 format
software titles.
They will only work with compatible PLAYSTATION 3 format software titles and
with the online Chat feature that is available to PLAYSTATION(R)Network users.

==========================
USB
==========================
Through the USB ports on the front of the PLAYSTATION 3 system, you may utilize
a USB certified headset. Devices that can be properly plugged in to the USB port of your
PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system do not have to be officially licensed by Sony Computer
Entertainment America (SCEA). However, the devices that are approved for use with the USB ports of
the PLAYSTATION(R)3 system must either be made by SCEA or be USB certified. Typically, a USB
certified product would have the official USB logo on the package, manual or on the "belly" label of the
product itself.

The USB headset (for the PlayStation(R)2) that was released by SCEA is
compatible for use with the PLAYSTATION 3 system.
===================
Product Information
===================
1) The suggested retail price is $29.99(USD)
2) The USB Headset (for PlayStation 2) will be sold as a stand-alone product
3) The SKU# number for the USB Headset is SCUS97078.
4) The headset is fully compatible with all first party PLAYSTATION(R)3 and
PlayStation(R)2 software titles that support the USB headset (for PlayStation 2). Please check the back
of the jewel case to determine if the USB headset (for PlayStation 2) is compatible with a particular
software title.
Certain third party PLAYSTATION(R)3 and PlayStation(R)2 format software titles
may be compatible as well; however, you must contact the 3rd party publisher to determine if the
software title is compatible.
5) The USB headset (for PlayStation 2) will utilize Voice Over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) and voice recognition technologies for use with both online and offline PLAYSTATION(R)3
and PlayStation(R)2 format software titles. Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the technology
that allows voice information to be sent in digital form over the Internet. Voice recognition
technology allows the spoken work to be converted into text messages onscreen through the use of a
microphone or headset.


If you are interested in purchasing an USB headset (for PlayStation 2), we recommend
checking with your local retailer for availability. You may also want to research online for
additional resources. Our products are available at a wide variety of online and in-store
establishments.

Lastly, please note that you can void your warranty on the PLAYSTATION(R)3
system if you plug devices into the USB ports that are not USB certified. In addition, such
devices can cause problems; for example, a device that is not USB certified might draw too much
electrical power, thereby damaging your system. We only recommend using USB certified devices
with your PlayStation(R) products.

If you have further questions regarding this message, please refer to your email
case number:4XXX51.

Byron
Multimedia CSR
Sony Computer Entertainment America
Consumer Services Department

[Marzen]

Blue Tooth headset compatibitly listings...

Here's the current straw pole results:

*A note on pairing problems:

Even if you have to set up your mic every play session they usually work fine once you do. If you can live with it then almost all brands are fine. IMO resetting each time is a problem.

* Some headsets have a "Pairing Mode" that you need to turn on before you can pair it with any device, so check the headset instructions.
* If you use the same headset for your phone and PS3 you may have to re-pair for each use. Some have reported having both a phone and a PS3 paired at the same time with no problems.
* You may have to pair again after charging ANY headset.

*A note on voice chat drops:

* Some users report mics cutting out in game. Running the setup again can help with this problem. Be sure to have the headset instructions handy when you reset.

*A note on stereo mics:

* If you have a stereo headset mic (2 speakers) it will only play the voices of the other players. Game sounds and music will still play over your regular speakers.

*A note on SOCOM (PS2):

* SOCOM will not work with your Bluetooth headset. You can use your USB mic for SOCOM games.

*A note on PS2 USB mics:

* PS2 USB mics are working with PS3 games that support voice chat.

Brand and Model List: (brand names are linked)

Motorola (Model H700 has an "A" and "B" version with different pairing procedures. Here's the link to Motorola FAQ to help with the issue)

* HS850 (9) reports needs paired at restart (1) reports O.K.
* HS830 (1) reports needs paired at restart
* HS820 (2) reports needs paired at restart
* HS810 (1) reports O.K.
* HT820 (3) reports needs paired at restart (1) reports just not working (1) reports O.K.
* H700 (see note above) (8) report needs paired at restart (5) reports O.K.
* H670 (1) reports O.K.
* H605 (1) reports O.K.
* H500 (17) reports O.K. (5) reports needs paired at restart
* H350 (9) reports O.K. (1) reports needs paired at restart
* H300 (6) reports O.K.
* 89074J (1) reports O.K.

Jabra

* JX-10 (1) reports O.K.
* BT125 (13) reports O.K. (1) reports needs paired at restart
* BT135 (1) reports O.K.
* BT150 (2) reports O.K.
* BT250 (2) reports needs paired at restart (1) reports O.K.
* BT350 (2) reports needs paired at restart (1) reports O.K.
* BT500 (1) reports needs paired at restart

Sony-Ericsson

* HBH-608 (2) reports needs paired at restart
* HBH-610 (3) reports O.K.
* HBH-GV435 (1) reports needs paired at restart

Plantronics

* Discovery 655 (2) reports O.K.
* Explorer 320 (10) reports O.K.
* Pulsar 590A (1) reports O.K.
* Voyager 510 (2) reports O.K.

Southwing (Cingular)

* SA505 (1) reports O.K.

Cardo

* Scala 500 (2) reports O.K.
* Scala 700 (1) reports O.K.

Encore Electronics

* ENBTHS-011 (1) reports O.K.

LG

* HBM 300 (2) reports O.K.

Tekkeon

* ET2000 (1) reports O.K.

Samsung

* WEP150 (1) reports needs paired each restart
* WEP200 (1) reports O.K.

Nokia

* HS-26W (1) reports O.K.

[Chris D]

An update is already out for Grand Tourismo HD download.

[Marzen]

I love the visualizations while playing back music!
And the movie trailer for '300' looks incredible, can't wait to see that one.
I spent the morning playing Resistance, and Fight Night online; both worked great and looked phenomenal. Motorola H350 headset works great as well.
-Ward
(PSid: Gaucho-Sierra / User: Marzen)

[ekkoville]

So where is the download section for the games? Is it available under the network portion in the main menu, or through an actual web site that is navigated to?

Thanks in advance, but I don't have the thing hooked up to the network yet. I'm way behind the power curve here!

[Chris D]

Erik, once you set up the network, you can log into the Playstation store and download all sorts of patches, games, demos, movies, and trailers, most of which are free.

[Marzen]

Blue LED mod for SixAxis PS button

Some links below. Getting the controller back together sounds a bit daunting 'tho...

Mod Thread

Blue LED (smd 0603 2.8v)

SixAxis pcb top:

http://myacc.net/~euphoriclab/pix/ps3/pcbfront.JPG

SixAxis pcb bottom:

http://myacc.net/~euphoriclab/pix/ps3/pbcback.JPG

-Ward

[Brandon B]

Well, PS3s are in stock everywhere in Akihabra (geek heaven) here in Tokyo too.

Anyone hot for any hard-to-obtain japanese games while I'm here?

BB

[Chris D]

Kind of interesting mod there, Marzen. Too complicated for me, though, for the result.

Yes, I think anybody that wants a PS3 now can find one, at least if you look at a couple places. In my mind, this is nothing but good for consumers.

Sony updated the PS3 to software version 1.5 this week. Improved the picture quality of legacy PS2 games, among other things.

[Marzen]

Burlwood skin...

I'm almost sorry my PS3 is hidden away...
Burlwood skin



-Ward

[Chris D]

Whaaaaaa??? I hadn't heard of people doing skins for the PS3 yet. I'll go see...

... ah, I see now. It's just a sticker that you put over the top. There was some talk for a while about people producing replaceable faceplates for the PS3, but I still have yet to see them.

[Marzen]

"Cant' we all just get along?"

Yeah! Now we can peacefully coexist with our HD-DVD brothers...

THD Total Hi Def Disks

...and I can pick up a used Toshiba player for the bedroom :T

[Brandon B]

Score!!!

Well, asked at my local Costco today, thinking "nah, they'll be out and on order like the others", but no, I get "well, we've got one unopened return from when we had them in stock at Xmas".

So I get the 2nd controller, Genji Day of the Blade, Talladega Nights (meh, at least I didn't already own it on DVD) and the coupon book with 5 $10 off coupons for BD discs all blister wrapped together with a 60 GB system.

Now to find Motostorm for a good price. And to watch Innocence: Ghost in the Shell II in HD.

BB

[Chris D]

Cool, B! :T

FWIW, I've downloaded pretty much every single free thing they've offered on the Playstation Store since it came out, and bought a few of the cheapo games there, too. You know what I think might be the best demo material I've got in my entire theater? Believe it or not, it might actually be the HD download for Ultraviolet of all things. Stinky movie, but MAN, it has beautiful colors and sets. PQ is unbelievable.

[dyazdani]

First thoughts on the PS3 today, only got to use it for about 45 minutes. I've had an XBox 360 for a while, so I will attempt to compare.

PS3:
Pros
- Integrated charging system for the controllers
- Integrated wireless networking
- Blu-ray capabilty
- SACD capability
- HDMI output
- Free online play
- Bluetooth

Cons
- No HD capable cable included
- Choice of games is slim (granted, 360 has been out a year longer)
- A little bummed about the stories I read RE force feedback

XBox 360:
Pros
- I like the controllers a bit better (more solid feel IMHO)
- More choices in software, for the time being anyway

Cons
- Everything is "ala-carte" wireless, online play, HD-DVD capability, controller power
- No standard HDMI output

I wish I had some Blu Ray software, I'll have to download some HD content and see what's what...

[Chris D]

Yeah, Dan, download the Blu-Ray trailer for Ultraviolet. You'll love the PQ.

[dyazdani]

Yeah, Dan, download the Blu-Ray trailer for Ultraviolet. You'll love the PQ.

I DL'd it last night - awesome! I was stunned by the quality, not that it was bad on SD-DVD at 720p. The picture just seemed to have much more depth to it.

Now if I can get the digital audio working...

[Chris D]

Found some interesting news about the PS3 today.

First, looks like Best Buy is not going to sell the 20GB model anymore, and only sell the 60GB model. A bit surprising:
http://www.psu.com/node/9021?

It looks like this Thursday is going to be the big day for the new firmware release. version 1.6, with lots of new stuff.
http://www.psu.com/node/9064?
I thought the Folding@Home project was interesting, similar to what Kev does with the SETI project.

[dyazdani]

Our Wal-Mart has only had the 60GB version for a while - in fact, they removed the stocking space with the 20GB $499 tag a long time ago.

[Chris D]

For Dan and anyone else that might be curious, I'm testing out my first standard-def DVD on the PS3 right now. It's not bad, I'd say pretty solid performance. But it's not up to the level of my dedicated SD-DVD player--for one thing, the PS3 doesn't do upconversion yet. It looks like it's outputting the video at 480p over HDMI to my projector. Now if you have an external scaler or your video display does upscaling well, this may be unimportant. And if anything, this will likely be a moot point soon, and the rumor is that the PS3 is capable of video upscaling and will be adding the software update soon to do so.

I can't figure out for sure, but I think the aspect ratio may not be geared towards widescreen for SD-DVD's too.

[Lex]

Now to find Motostorm for a good price.

LOL, more like finding it at all at this stage, I bet it's tough to get, guessing... But generally, they don't come off the 59.99 game price until the game is getting up close to 1 year old, then they start cutting the price.