***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

[CaptainZombie]

Playstation 3 FAQS - Updated 5/15/2006

I decided to start this thread as many people have so many questions that we continue to keep on creating threads or topics on questions that SONY didn’t do such a good job on explaining.

I think that many things might change by the time the Tokyo Game Show comes around as I think that Sony will lay out the rest of their cards by then.

PS3 Specs Sheet:
Credit from PS3land.com



Phil Harrison’s Interview with GamePro:

http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=55089

What is the difference between the $499 and $599 PS3?

$499
-20gb REMOVABLE HDD
-No HDMI
-No Wifi
-No Memory Card Reader
-Bluetooth Enabled for Wireless Controllers
-Packaged with Wireless Controller (Rumor – might come with wired, but the option is there to upgrade to a wireless)
-Blu Ray Player – you can still watch movies through Component Cables and will allow for 1080p.

$599
-60gb REMOVABLE HDD
-1 HDMI port
-Has Wifi compatibility
-Has the Memory Card Reader
-Bluetooth Enabled for Wireless Controllers
-Packaged with Wireless Controller
-Blu Ray Player – you can still watch movies through Component Cables, but HDMI will allow for 1080p and a bit better picture/sound quality.


PS3 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the release date in North America?
Friday, November 17, 2006

Does the $499 PS3 have wireless controller capability?
Yes, you will be able to buy wireless controller(s) for the system since Bluetooth will still be enabled in the system. People are getting confused with Bluetooth and WiFi.

Does the $499 PS3 come with a wireless controller?
Hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Have game prices been announced yet?
Hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Can I swap out the HDD on either system?
Yes, the HDD is removable in both versions.

Is the PS3 capable of Internet Browsing?
Yes, the PS3 will be using a version of the Opera Browser to surf the net. This was confirmed in a demo done by 2 different SONY reps at E3.

If the $499 PS3 doesn’t have a memory card reader how can I transfer files?
Hasn’t been confirmed yet.

Without WiFi in $499 model, how am I going to transfer files from my PSP to PS3 and vice versa?
You can use the USB cord on the PSP to your PS3 to transfer.

Will I lose quality if I’m not using HDMI? How does this affect 1080p.
Yes and No. HDMI allows for the sound and video to feed through one cable which allows for better quality. If you are using component cables, the difference should be minimal. It has also been confirmed that you can get 1080p on both the HDMI cable and if you are using component cables if you have a 1080p TV set.

Can I watch Blu Ray movies on my $499 PS3 even though there’s no HDMI?
Yes, you can watch movies on the $499 PS3. You will lose some of the quality of the picture since you will be going through component. Another confirmation has been brought up that many of the movie studios can’t do anything about the copy protection until 2009, 2010 at the latest. Warner Brothers is going to attempt to use copy protection off the bat which will require HDMI. Many of the studios at this point don’t want to use the copy protection since there are many out there that don’t have HDMI or 1080p TV sets and it will be the death of this technology.

Is the power supply internal or external?
The power supply is internal.

How loud is the fans going to be on the PS3?
Rumor has it that the PS3 runs as quiet as the Slim PS2.

Can I run Media off of the HDD?
Yes, in the demos that we have seen so far from the 2 SONY rep videos, you can run movies, music, and still pictures off of the HDD.


Below are some pictures of the PS3 back in 2005 compared to the PS3 in 2006.





















$599 system on the top and $499 system on the bottom. It looks like the bottom system looks much better.

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

No offense, I don't know where you got those questions and answers, but there's some wrong info in there.

It has also been confirmed that you can get 1080p on both the HDMI cable and if you are using component cables if you have a 1080p TV set.

This has NOT been confirmed. It'll be able to run at full resoulution, but no one has said full 1080p.

This is your thread about that subject

Take this for what it's worth, I found it on another message board:


Well... there goes some people's main gripe about the $499 PS3... that the Blu-Ray player on it is "worthless." Not so anymore.

For $499 you get a sick next-gen system plus now a FULLY FUNCTIONAL 1080P Blu-Ray player!

---

http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/techn...415853,00.html

Spiegel.de - the online Version of weekly Spiegel (ger. equivalent to TIME) - reports that:
Sony und Microsoft unterlaufen Kopierschutz -> "Sony and Microsoft avoid CP"
Quote:
Hinter den Kulissen jedoch hat man sich geeinigt: Bis mindestens 2010, wenn nicht gar 2012, sollen nun doch Signale - zwar analog - aber in voller Auflösung ausgegeben werden können - auch ohne HDMI und HDCP
->

"Behind closed doors an agreement has been reached. At least till 2010, if not even 2012 signals shall be put through analog, but in full resolution without HDMI and HDCP."

There is a strong rumor circulating that the web broswser will allow you to save roster files to the PS3 HDD. This is almost 95% confirmed with a demo that was done by a SONY rep.

What Sony rep confirmed this?

Rumor has it that you can purchase a memory card reader for $15-20 and plug it into the USB ports to transfer files. Also you can use a USB thumb drive to plug into the USB ports to transfer files from PS3 to PC. It appears that the USB drives aren’t on lockdown like the 360.

You don't know you can transfer saves or what not. You can transfer pictures, music, etc, but no one has said a thing about files.

And go ahead, let the people label me being negative all you want, I'm just saying, if you are going to have an "official" FAQ, it should have factual info in it. And at this point, those are questions that have not been answered yet. They will be eventually, but it's all rumors now.

[cjonesfan921]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

Good thread. Answered some questions I had.

[Klocker]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

Good thread, thanks for the info

the only caveat is what EG mentioned above about the save files (we're not sure yet) and confirmation of resolution and to remind people that even IF true (I hope it is) that it requires a 1080P capable HDTV to see the resolution (most go up to 1080i)

[Mintsa]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

Stupid question........how do I know if my tv displays 1080p??

I have a sony bravia LCD.

And it does have an hdmi port (which I use right now with my digital cable box).

So....because I have the hdmi port on my tv does this mean i have 1080p??

Or not??

Thanks

[backbreaker]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

Extreme, on the file transfer thing. I'm pretty sure it will be like the PSP, where as you can load your files(winzip format) and they are easily transfered. Thats how I was able to update my rosters from madden nation.

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

Extreme, on the file transfer thing. I'm pretty sure it will be like the PSP, where as you can load your files(winzip format) and they are easily transfered. Thats how I was able to update my rosters from madden nation.

I don't doubt that you will be able to do that in the least. What I was trying to say, is this is going to be an official FAQ, the info should be correct. At this point, all we know is how we did rosters on the PSP, as I did the same thing. Hell, I think it's a great idea if it works that way for the PS3, eliminates a lot of hassle, if you have a mem card of a thumb drive.

Based on the PS3's interface, I would bet it would be the same since it's using the PSP's "dashboard".

But until it's confirmed by Sony, it's speculation.

[DaHokieBird]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

Ahh crap, I gotta get the $599 version now, because of the WiFi. Guess I'll be saving a little bit more than expected.

[Klocker]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

Stupid question........how do I know if my tv displays 1080p??

I have a sony bravia LCD.

And it does have an hdmi port (which I use right now with my digital cable box).

So....because I have the hdmi port on my tv does this mean i have 1080p??

Or not??

Thanks

doubtful

True 1080p sets have only been on the market for a short time and they are more expensive currently.

which is one reason people have been saying that 1080P is a blown-out-of-proportion feature at this time. almost nobody owns one (except extreme home theater buffs)

[CaptainZombie]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

No offense, I don't know where you got those questions and answers, but there's some wrong info in there.



This has NOT been confirmed. It'll be able to run at full resoulution, but no one has said full 1080p.

This is your thread about that subject





What Sony rep confirmed this?



You don't know you can transfer saves or what not. You can transfer pictures, music, etc, but no one has said a thing about files.

And go ahead, let the people label me being negative all you want, I'm just saying, if you are going to have an "official" FAQ, it should have factual info in it. And at this point, those are questions that have not been answered yet. They will be eventually, but it's all rumors now.

I tried to gather info for helping others out, not to create a debate. That is why I placed a rumored next to things we weren't unsure of. I'll look over this and place the rumor next to some of the things that you mentioned.

With your SONY rep comments, I've seen 2 videos and I wish I would have saved the links. I'll look for them.

1080p has been said to be outputed from component and HDMI.

Again Extreme, just trying to help others out bro.

[CaptainZombie]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

No offense, I don't know where you got those questions and answers, but there's some wrong info in there.



This has NOT been confirmed. It'll be able to run at full resoulution, but no one has said full 1080p.

This is your thread about that subject





What Sony rep confirmed this?



You don't know you can transfer saves or what not. You can transfer pictures, music, etc, but no one has said a thing about files.

And go ahead, let the people label me being negative all you want, I'm just saying, if you are going to have an "official" FAQ, it should have factual info in it. And at this point, those are questions that have not been answered yet. They will be eventually, but it's all rumors now.

This was posted from BigFnJoe in the same thread that you pulled my info from.


The PS3 will output 1080p via component cables:

Interview with Phil Harrison of Sony via gametrailers.com:


Quote:
"That seems to be a misunderstanding and I'm happy to clear that up. Both machines have Blue Ray disc as standard. Both machines play Blue Ray disc movies as standard. Both machines will play Blue Ray disc movies as HD. The only difference is that the high end machine uses a more convenient digital interconnect called HDMI which is a digital standard and the 20 gig unit uses HD component which is an analog standard. The picture quality is fantastic."

Quote:
"The end user will not notice any quality difference. Perhaps if you were projecting onto a gi-normous screen you might notice some difference, but also not every HD display has HDMI. So we're providing a choice to the consumer."

"Both versions will support 1080p."

Take-it for what it's worth..

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

This was posted from BigFnJoe in the same thread that you pulled my info from.


The PS3 will output 1080p via component cables:

Interview with Phil Harrison of Sony via gametrailers.com:


Quote:
"That seems to be a misunderstanding and I'm happy to clear that up. Both machines have Blue Ray disc as standard. Both machines play Blue Ray disc movies as standard. Both machines will play Blue Ray disc movies as HD. The only difference is that the high end machine uses a more convenient digital interconnect called HDMI which is a digital standard and the 20 gig unit uses HD component which is an analog standard. The picture quality is fantastic."

Quote:
"The end user will not notice any quality difference. Perhaps if you were projecting onto a gi-normous screen you might notice some difference, but also not every HD display has HDMI. So we're providing a choice to the consumer."

"Both versions will support 1080p."

Take-it for what it's worth..

I didn't see that, so that is more confirming. I believe it from Harrison's mouth before I would believe it from some Dutch website.

It's all good man, just saying, if you are gonna make a FAQ's thread, usually only use stuff that is confirmed, if it's a rumor, it's a rumor. There's been nothing said by any Sony rep about being able to download files straight to the HDD. Only place I've ever even seen it is when Ice Cream Truck mentioned how cool it'll be if you WOULD be able to do that.

[CaptainZombie]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

I didn't see that, so that is more confirming. I believe it from Harrison's mouth before I would believe it from some Dutch website.

It's all good man, just saying, if you are gonna make a FAQ's thread, usually only use stuff that is confirmed, if it's a rumor, it's a rumor. There's been nothing said by any Sony rep about being able to download files straight to the HDD. Only place I've ever even seen it is when Ice Cream Truck mentioned how cool it'll be if you WOULD be able to do that.

I also have this as a reference point from Harrison on the 1080p output for both systems.

http://www.gamepro.com/news.cfm?article_id=55089

GamePro: The $599 60 GB PS3 (top) looks different from the $499 20 GB PS3 (bottom)

Phil H. - "That seems to be a misunderstanding and I'm happy to clear that up. Both machines have Blue Ray disc as standard. Both machines play Blue Ray disc movies as standard. Both machines will play Blue Ray disc movies as HD. The only difference is that the high end machine uses a more convenient digital interconnect called HDMI which is a digital standard and the 20 GB unit uses HD component which is an analog standard. The picture quality is fantastic."

"The end user will not notice any quality difference. Perhaps if you were projecting onto a gi-normous screen you might notice some difference, but also not every HD display has HDMI. So we're providing a choice to the consumer."

"Both versions will support 1080p."


Phil said that the $499 system that has component, but no HDMI, will output 1080p.

If I go back and revise this for confirmed information, can we make it a sticky? I want to try and help others out with correct info.

Sorry to everyone on the rumors, but it's exciting to hear some of the features coming down the pipe. Maybe I can make a rumors section or something at the end.

[CaptainZombie]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

No offense, I don't know where you got those questions and answers, but there's some wrong info in there.

This has NOT been confirmed. It'll be able to run at full resoulution, but no one has said full 1080p.

This is your thread about that subject

What Sony rep confirmed this?

You don't know you can transfer saves or what not. You can transfer pictures, music, etc, but no one has said a thing about files.

And go ahead, let the people label me being negative all you want, I'm just saying, if you are going to have an "official" FAQ, it should have factual info in it. And at this point, those are questions that have not been answered yet. They will be eventually, but it's all rumors now.

EG, here's another confirmation on using external memory card readers from Kaz.

"We felt that if you want to save something on your Memory Stick, most people have those readers on their PC, which is easily adaptable to the PlayStation 3 with a USB cord," said Hirai.

Here's his take of HDMI vs. say using Component.

"The only difference is HDMI – and at this point, I don't think many people's TV's have that. The ultimate result, to my eyes anyway, is there's not a discernable difference between what you get between HDMI and other forms of high definition."

http://money.cnn.com/2006/05/11/technology/e3_kaz/index.htm?section=money_latest

[gschwendt]

Re: ***Official Playstation 3 FAQ'S - Updated 5/15/2006***

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/14/playstation-3-ui-revealed-to-be-psp-like/

The top video confirms USB keyboard & mouse can be used. Also states that the internet browser will be sony in-house. Chat & video chat available for those on your buddy list.