Playstation 3 discussion thread

[Sithlord]

Well add me to the PS3 (Australian Pal version) owners list. I purchased it from Ebay and it was alot cheaper than buying it in a shop,purchased it Weds got it on the Monday. It arrived this morning 10am set it up but unfortunatly I had to go to work so I didn't get to play Motorstorm or play a BD movie. Oh well I'm sitting at work watching the clock cant wait to get home. I bought the PS3 mostly for BD playback but I'm looking forward to some games as well. I will also get my wireless internet going some time this week as well. I'm pretty excited about this machine I hope it really takes off with 40 plus titles in development I'm sure the best is yet to come.

[Chris D]

Congrats, Sith! :banana: I'm moving right now, so my PS3 is packed up for at least several more weeks. I've got some new BD's to play, but nothing to play them on.

[Pez]

Congrats, Sith! :banana: I'm moving right now, so my PS3 is packed up for at least several more weeks. I've got some new BD's to play, but nothing to play them on.

You are not alone. My wife and I just bought our first house and soon the PS3 will be packed up for at least a few weeks. Going to watch as many BR movies between now and then.

[Sithlord]

Well I got home and the first thing I did was... read a book. NO WAY fired up the PS3 installed the latest firmware (mine had 1.55) to 1.70 no problems,then proceeded to be totally blown away by Motorstorm. Playing this game through the Sanyo Z4, 100" screen with 7.1 surround (using optical) I was in gaming heaven. The graphics are incredible and the sound just sucked me into it. I've only got one game atm and I've just purchased Superman Returns, Casino Royale and Black Hawk Down as my introduction to Blu-Ray. To say I cannot wait to try each one is an understatement just not enough hours in a day .

[Pez]

I've only got one game atm and I've just purchased Superman Returns, Casino Royale and Black Hawk Down as my introduction to Blu-Ray.

You cant go wrong with any of those movies, 2 of the 3 are some of my all time favorites. I own Casino Royale in both BR and SD and use that to demo the abilites of next gen DVD to my friends. Now if I could only get the better audio side of things...

[Chris D]

Some new news, Video on Demand coming for Europe PS3?
http://www.psu.com/node/11160

80GB PS3 officially announced, but so far only for Korea.
http://www.psu.com/node/11269

[Pez]

I saw at gamespot.com that firmware 1.80 is coming (tomorrow?) and will inlcude the ability to upscale SD DVD's. If thats the case I wonder how SD DVD would look and sound compared to my Denon DVD 2910? Whats decodes the audio if using optical cable, the PS3 or my 1068? This could be the motivating factor for me to sell the Denon and get a HD DVD player.

[RebelMan]

It's for real... Firmware Update 1.8

We shall soon see if the update also includes 1080p/24.

[Chris D]

Ah, sweet... the last news report I read about an update indicated 2.0 was about to come out though. Odd!

Pez, to answer your question, if you use optical or coax digital, your receiver will do the audio decode. It *should* sound just about the same, then, whether its the 2910 or PS3 outputting the audio. The ability to upscale, though, is a different story. we'll see how it does.

[Chris D]

Hey, Rebelman, I noticed in that link you provided, that the PS3 will now upscale PS and PS2 games to 1080p! Wow! Seeing as how only some PS3 games are 1080p, that's interesting, and I wonder if we'll be seeing any 1080p upscaling on PS3 games, too!

[Sithlord]

Hey guys. I've gone a bit BD crazy 8O and have bought 7 titles this week. Yesterday I picked up Gone in 60 Seconds, X-men 3 and Underworld-Evolution. I didn't notice this until a few hours later when I got back to work, I checked my receipt and I paid $72AUD for those 3 titles and they must have had a bad scan on X-men 3 as I got charged.... . 9 cents :B yes you read that right. So in essence I paid $24 (Australian) each. X-men 3 was $40 AUD I can't believe I didn't pick up on it at the time when I paid for them. Another title which I didn't know was out here is Hellboy-Directors Cut which I got my brother to buy me got it from him today. I read on the Net that the US doesn't get it until the 5th of June which is wierd. If I get home on time tonight, I'm going to watch Hellboy and will post my impressions.

Great to see upscaling added on the PS3. Will have to try it out and compare it to my Denon DVD-1930. The PS3 is just getting better and better. ;x(

[RebelMan]

The PS3 is just getting better and better. ;x(

Indeed, the FORCE is strong with the PS3. I just did the 1.8 update and I can confirm that full 1080p/24 is supported on BDs. Until this moment I was limited to 1080i/60 at best. My Pioneer PDP-6070 only supports 1080p at 24 fps which is reclocked to 72 (1:3). I haven't spent the time dissecting the bump up but at this at this early stage it seems to appear somewhat more liquid.

The real impression came with DVD's. While it seems that DVD's are still limited to 1080i/60 on my display scaling is exceptionally good. So good in fact that it could impede the movement from DVD to BD home libraries. Without the benefit of HD audio I would wonder why anyone would want to spend the extra money on BD as the PS3 scaled DVDs are nearly as close as to be unrivaled. Impressive, most impressive!

[RebelMan]

Make sure you check your Video Output Settings after the upgrade. I don't recall the options RGB Full Range (HDMI) and Super-White (HDMI) being available before though my previous firmware version was at level 1.6.

[Pez]

With the 1.80 update how do I go about getting the PS3 to network with my PC and stream music? I cant seem to figure out how to do it. My PC (hard-wired) and PS3 (wireless) are connected to a linksys cable modem/wireless router.

[Chris D]

Hmmm... I don't know how to stream music with the PS3, Pez. Have you read the online manual?

Rebelman, that stuff sounds AWESOME. I'm pretty sure you're right--never had those two options before for HDMI video. I assume they're trying to make different settings for RGB and Y Pb Cr?

[Sithlord]

Yes those 2 new options are confusing to me and I'm not sure if I should enable them. Will wait until theres a proper explanation explaining there purpose and effect on Picture. Question: can you download the demos from a pc that are on the PS3 website without having to do it through the PS3? As I have it hooked up to my projector I dont want to have to leave it on for 5-6 Hours while it downloads a demo like the GT-HD demo. I have registered on the playstation store just would prefer to do it on the pc then transfer it to my PSP then onto the PS3. Thanks in advance

[Pez]

Hmmm... I don't know how to stream music with the PS3, Pez. Have you read the online manual?

The online manual currently at the PS homepage only covers up to 1.70. Hopefully they will update it soon.

[Pez]

Figured it out, pretty easy actually. Just need to go to a setting in windows media player and allow sharing. This is awesome!

[Pez]

I need to stress this again - this is AWESOME!

I was able to get my laptop and my wife's desktop to show up as media servers. Today we viewed our wedding photos, which are stored on her PC, on my tv. This will come in real handy when she has friends over and wants to show the pics. No more crowdng around her computer. I know xbox users have had this ability already but when you take into account everything else the PS3 does I cant see any reason to keep my xbox. I am sure I will for Halo 3 but its not going to get much use till then.

I dont want to sound like a PS3 fanboy cause I am not but this latest update is a major leap forward IMO. It satisified my need for an upconverting DVD player and being able to stream from my computer all for free. So instead of shelling out the cash for the antenna for the xbox and new DVD player I can use that money for the toshiba HD-DVD player. Not only that, at least with the toshiba I can get the better audio using the multi-channel outputs - the xbox HD DVD drive cant even do that. Life is good right now.

[Chris D]

Sweet, Pez! I agree, buying the PS3 last fall was a decent choice for what you got. But it just keeps getting better, and for free!

Sith, what I do if I have a big download (or multiple, now that you can queue them) is leave on the unit overnight, and shut down the projector and the rest of my system. Nothing else needs to be on. Just make sure you turn off the controller, or plug it in to the USB port, so the battery doesn't drain!

[Gremal]

Make sure you check your Video Output Settings after the upgrade. I don't recall the options RGB Full Range (HDMI) and Super-White (HDMI) being available before though my previous firmware version was at level 1.6.

Unfortunately I am not able to use HDMI (my plasma is an older model), so I can't take full advantage of the 1.8 update. But the PS3 is definitely the best bargain out there for front end video.

[Sithlord]

Thanks Chris thats what I would have done if I couldn't download a big file from the pc. Another question: Does a download stop if you watch a Blu-Ray movie even after selecting download in the background? I was downloading the GT-HD demo and then decided to watch Underworld 2 and I'm sure it had stopped as the light that flashes stopped flashing. Thanks guys. I'm loven the PS3.

[Chris D]

I'm pretty sure it continues during a BD movie. I couldn't say for sure, as it seemed to me that I made progress while watching movies, but now my PS3 is packed up during a move and I can't check.

[Dave999]

I am having a problem with the PS3 which hopefully someone will have some ideas that may help. I am running it to an older display which does not have HDMI. I am running it through component cables. The video is very sharp, but a line runs horizontally up through the picture, similar to the lines that would run through the picture when a vcr was not tracking properly. Sometimes it is not that noticable, but at times it is. I have tried better cables, changing the resolution from 1080i to 720p and cannot get the lines to go away completely. I have also updated to 1.80 and that does not change it. Please let me know if any of you have any ideas. I am running the cables through a denon receiver and then to a Sony display. Thanks.

[Sithlord]

Well Chris I tried to download a demo then put on a BD movie and the download stops the download light stops flashing. Can someone try this and see if it happens to them please.

Dave999 sorry I cant help you with your problem but I'm sure others may offer some advice. Good luck with it.

Update: I found the answer on the net here is an exert when the 1.6 update came out:


"The PS3 downloading appears to have been, I don't know, half fixed. While you can now queue up to six downloads at at time and you will be able to do so while accessing videos, photos or music from the harddrive or even browsing the web, you won't be able to use the Blu-ray drive to play movies or games as you download.

While that sort of sucks, at least the PS3 will, I believe, auto-manage all of this so you won't have to manually go in and start and stop downloads.

[Pez]

I am having a problem with the PS3 which hopefully someone will have some ideas that may help. I am running it to an older display which does not have HDMI. I am running it through component cables. The video is very sharp, but a line runs horizontally up through the picture, similar to the lines that would run through the picture when a vcr was not tracking properly. Sometimes it is not that noticable, but at times it is. I have tried better cables, changing the resolution from 1080i to 720p and cannot get the lines to go away completely. I have also updated to 1.80 and that does not change it. Please let me know if any of you have any ideas. I am running the cables through a denon receiver and then to a Sony display. Thanks.

Have you tried connecting the PS3 directly to the TV? Even though the receiver is able to handle the video switching its worth checking out. Do you have any kind of sugre protector? If you do does your cable for tv go through it?

[Dave999]

Thanks for the suggestions Pez, I will try them. I do have a surge protector, but the cable for the tv does not go through it.

[RebelMan]

What timing. Sony releases an update that finally makes full use of my display's 1080p/24 capability and then it (the display) wigs out on me. Off to the repair shop it goes and I am left standed with no "where to go". I can't begin to tell you guys how depressing this is. My ETA looks like it may take up to two weeks. Chris, how the heck are you managing this??? You must be chomping at the bit with a packed PS3. How much longer do you have to endure the wait? I'm so bummed!

[Chris D]

Yeah... I'm doing fine by travelling, and doing other things.

[Sithlord]

Just finished getting all the cars in GT-HD. I'm very impressed with this demo as I was a big fan of the previous incarnations and cannot wait until it comes out. I downloaded Virtual Tennis 3 and was impressed with the graphics. Blu-Ray still amazes me after watching Blackhawk Down and Gone in 60 seconds. I'm orgainsing a professional calibrator to come do my Sanyo Z4 projector in the next 3 weeks hopefully ,so I'm hoping for even a better image than what I'm seeing now. The PS3 is making me very happy.

[Chris D]

As we've mentioned elsewhere, there's a new IR remote control dongle out for the PS3 apparently. While the Bluetooth control's a great thing, it sure would be nice to control the PS3 with one master remote control, if you have an IR setup. Apparently, it's "Nyko Blu Wave".

I don't have details on how it works yet, but I've heard that others have had success. I guess you can Google it, to find out more info.

[Alloroc]

Well boys, I'm in. Out with the 360 and in with the PS3.

I've not had much on an oppertunity to really dig deep but I will over the next few days. I should point out that I'm having a bit of a mare with wifi. Got it going in the end though. I think it's kind of funky that I can read my gmail from it. Got to get a keyboard next.

A/V streaming is a real treat too. So simple with MP11 and Vista. Can't stream my apple lossless encoded tracks though.

It reall is such a well put together device, though the controllers feel a little cheap, compared to the 360s that is. I prefer the simplicity of the gui - way better than the 360s. I could say that i'll miss media center, but I probably won't - we'll see.

V

[Alloroc]

Anyonw played around with wireless streaming? Windows media is OK but the menu options on the PS is not great (not the PS3s fault). I'm having much more success with Twonkyvision - anyone played with this app yet? I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts.

[Pez]

Anyonw played around with wireless streaming? Windows media is OK but the menu options on the PS is not great (not the PS3s fault). I'm having much more success with Twonkyvision - anyone played with this app yet? I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts.

I have had somewhat good luck with the wireless streaming. It certianly works but about half the time it losses the connection with my laptop. Not sure why since its only a few feet away. I dont like how the PS3 lists the media files and not being able to create a playlist right from the PS3.

How does the Twonkyvision work? I have not heard of it.

[Hdale85]

Apparently there are ad's coming out next week with the 60 gig PS3 for 499. So far I've heard it was in a Target ad and Circuit City. So seems there is possibly a price drop? They are supposed to be the 15-22nd's ad. I'm still somewhat skeptical we will see next weekend.

[Pez]

Apparently there are ad's coming out next week with the 60 gig PS3 for 499. So far I've heard it was in a Target ad and Circuit City. So seems there is possibly a price drop? They are supposed to be the 15-22nd's ad. I'm still somewhat skeptical we will see next weekend.

I heard that rumor as well but thought it was only Circuit City as some type of one week sale. Time will tell.

[Hdale85]

Well that DVDtalk or whatever site posted the Target ad for that week and it also showed the PS3 at 499. I've never seen a console go on sale. So it makes a lot more sense that its a price drop. A price drop after only a year is pretty amazing though as well. We will see next weekend. I hope its true.

[Alloroc]

I have had somewhat good luck with the wireless streaming. It certianly works but about half the time it losses the connection with my laptop. Not sure why since its only a few feet away. I dont like how the PS3 lists the media files and not being able to create a playlist right from the PS3.

How does the Twonkyvision work? I have not heard of it.

With regard to the dropping of your connection - I had the same problem. I updated the firmware of my Linksys WRT54g and it's perfect now. Not one drop - I downloaded the GTHD game over it in an hour or so.

Twonkyvision Media Server is as it's mane suggests, a media server. It's German and as I'm playing with it, it's so good, I might just buy it (cheap). Anyhow, it's a web based media server. You install it, name it, secure it, tell it where your media files are located and off you go. It'll even let you stream from your iTunes folder. Once it all done - takes 3-4 minutes, it'll appear on the PS3 menu. That's that. Menu browsing is a bit more logical than WMS.

Anyhow, check it out. There's a 30 day free trial.

http://www.twonkyvision.com/

[dyazdani]

Saw the PS3 price drop in the news (CNN) so I guess it's official though I haven't looked at an actual store.

I conquered God of War II last night though it's actually a PS2 game. One of the best in that genre IMHO. Working on the new Ninja Gaiden Sigma as well...

[Pez]

Saw the PS3 price drop in the news (CNN) so I guess it's official though I haven't looked at an actual store.

I have seen the news on several sites today so I would agree its official. I even saw an article saying the 360 is going to do a price drop soon now that PS3 has done it. The next question is how will this impact next gen DVD's and the format war, if at all.

[Chris D]

I would have thought that Sony would start generating profit on PS3 console sales before they make a price cut. Maybe not.

[Hdale85]

I have to disagree with the consoles effecting next gen dvd's Most of the people I know that own a ps3 and 360 have no HD-DVD's or BD disc's.

[Alloroc]

My PS3 is my first venture into the universe of hi def entertainment. I'm really blown away by the quality. I really didn't think I'd be. My local video store has quite a large selection of blurays and is growing weekly - I'll rent first as the disks are still to expensive to buy over here. Perhaps thats what most people are at.

[Hdale85]

Yeah I'm not saying noone uses it for that. I just think that majority of the people that own a PS3 have no idea what blu ray is or at least they don't watch those movies on it.

[dyazdani]

Really, the only reason I bought one was because of BluRay... was going to get a standalone player anyway and figured I could do some gaming along the way too...