ElMikeTheMike

This thread is focused on what the PS3 has and what it can do. It is generally updated as new features and firmware are released. Please avoid any flaming - This is NOT a list of what the 360 can't do. Other PS3 owners, please chime in - I'm sure to forget some things. I'll credit you with your contributions




SKU Comparison:

via stanrc


The Playstation 3 Has/Is:

• Built-in blue tooth for controllers, headsets, remotes, keyboards, etc.
• Rechargeable game controllers.
• Built-in WiFi* for wireless internet, as well as a normal network port.
• Built-in multi-card reader*.
• 2-4 USB ports, depending on SKU.
• Slot-loading Blu-Ray/DVD disc player.
• One HDMI 1.3 output.
• One optical output.
• One Standard A/V Multi Output.
• DLNP (media) Compliant.
• Supports resolutions from 480i to 1080p.
• Supports 8 audio channels (7.1).
• Vibration Support with Sixaxis 3 Controllers

With the PS3 & Firmware 2.53, You Can:

• Play games at resolutions up to 1080p.
• Play old PS1/2 games* and upscale them (with adjustable settings).
• Play supported games online (for free) over the Playstation Network.
• Play Blu-Ray movies.
• Play normal DVD9 movies and upscale them to 1080p.
• Play most disc formats, including SACD (40GB doesn't support SACD; cannot copy SACD's to HDD).
• Import audio CD's to internal HDD (supported formats: ACC, MP3, ATRAC).
• Connect to and browse the internet with Flash Player support.
• Use almost any USB mouse/keyboard.
• Connect to your home network for streaming media (picture, music, movies).
• Can Fold.
• Connect to your PSP (via ad hoc mode, or over the internet) for streaming media (remote play).
• Download game demos and content via the PS Store.
• Buy and rent Hollywood movies and television shows via the PS Store.
• Buy PS1, PS2, PS3, and PSP games via the PS Store.
• Multiple downloads supported.
• Run an alternative operating system (linux).
• Chat and send messages (chat, video, voice) with other PS3 users.
• Print pictures with a supported printer.
• Upgrade the internal HDD to any 2.5" hard drive.
• Connect and use external USB hard drives and other devices.
• Use your cell phone's Blue-Tooth headset.
• Use emoticons during chat.
• Use custom backgrounds themes.
• Use custom themes and icons in the XMB.
• Turn on the PS3 via PSP with Remote Play.
• View news and other information from the XMB via Information Board.
• Voice Changer lets you change the pitch of your voice when using a mic
• Export audio/photo playlists to the PSP
• Use your PSP as a remote control for audio playback (so the TV can be off)
• Can save targets (ie. images) on websites with the PS3's browser.
• Backup (creates an image more or less) your entire HDD (games, saves, etc).
• Can access the XMB while gaming, to include Friends List.
• Listen to custom soundtracks (game must support this feature).
• Google search from the XMB.
• Earn Trophies (like 360 Accomplishments).
• Adjustable power settings support automatic system shut down after selected time.
  
  * = Model Dependant, see chart.
  

Movie Playback:

• Time to start up a Blu-Ray from insertion of disc: ~20 seconds, depending on the movie.
• Time to start up a Blu-ray, already inserted, from the XMB: ~15 seconds, depending on the movie.
  - (Clock was stopped when the first image of the disc appeared)
  - (Times were about the same for normal DVD9)
• Time to start up a movie on the network: Instantaneous.
• Networked and stored movies can be viewed in three modes: Zoomed, Normal, and Orignal.
• The audio of networked and stored movies can be amplified or lowered from the on-screen menu during playback.
• Access the XMB during network movie playback.
• Performs all the same functions as the typical DVD/BR Player.
• BR playback at 1080p 24Hz supported.
• Supports BluRay Spec 2.0.
• DivX and WMV Playback now enabled.
• DivX and WMV files can be over 2GB and have subtitles.
• Resume play BluRay/DVD and other media files
• PS3 / Blu-Ray Video Codecs: AVCHD, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 AVC (H.264), SMPTE VC-1.

How the PS3 stacks up against standalone BR players:


via bluray.com


Audio Playback:

• CD output options for 44/1/88.2/176.4 kHz.
• Has three varying visualizations during playback.
• Access the XMB during playback.
• Create custom playlists.
• Audio volume can be adjusted from the on-screen menu.
• Rip CD's directly to the HDD for playback.
• Bitmapping Type 3 provides enhanced audio playback.
• Blu-Ray Audio Codecs: Linera PCM, DD, DD+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS Digital Surround, DTS HD MA.

Supported Media Formats:


Sixaxis Controller:

• PS3 supports up to 7 blue-tooth controllers simultaneously.
• Uses an internal lithium-ion battery; Charged via USB.
• Single charge lasts around 30 hours.
• Can play with or without USB cable while charging.
• Vibration/Runble Support coming soon.
• Gives some motion sensing capabalities to the PS3, similar to Wii.
• Is a palindrome.

PS3 Hard Drives:

• All stock hard drives are 5400RPM 2.5" (laptop) SATA HDD's.
• You can upgrade to higher capacity drives, either 5400 or 7200RPM, up to at least 320GB.
• See this feature on gamerpro.com for more information on speeds.
• See Transonic's thread on How To: PS3 HDD Swap.
• See OmegaNemesis28's thread on game installation sizes for popular PS3 games.

Folding@Home, v1.3:

• Fold for 37726.
• WU's take around 8-9 hours to complete.
• Has a global view of all other folders, as well as several molecular views.
• Listen to music while you fold.
• Automatic shutdown option added.
• Can be started and viewed remotely from the PSP.
• Very customizable.
• More info here and here.

Playstation Home, v1.03:

• Is free to download and use.
• Is a 3D gaming community that allows users to interact, communicate and play games.
• Users can create and customize their own avatars.
• Supports mini-games, videos and special events.
• Create your own community by using the “Club*2” feature.

Supported Epson Printers:

• PictureMate Deluxe
• PictureMate Express
• PictureMate Pal
• PictureMate Snap
• PictureMate Flash
• Stylus CX3800 / CX3810
• Stylus CX4200
• Stylus CX4800
• Stylus CX5000
• Stylus CX6000
• Stylus CX7800
• Stylus Photo R260
• Stylus Photo R340
• Stylus Photo R380
• Stylus Photo RX580 via Epson

DLNA Media Servers:


Source


Latest Firmware Information
PS Network Status
Firmware Update History
OCN Buddy Contacts by cukies



From the Playstation Blog:

Firmware 2.53 Adds:



Firmware 2.52 Adds:

Contributors:
Stanrc
Mikesamuel112
Guruboy
Transonic
OmegaNemesis28
gr1mo

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stanrc

looks like a good list to me, i'll let you know if i think of any others.

EDIT: don't forget it has a built in (replaceable 2.5" sata) hard drive

EDIT 2: doesn't it also have available 7.1 surround as well as an optical port on back?

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ElMikeTheMike

Already got that in there. Thanks!

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bdattilo

Nice list! Maybe you should work for Sony!

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Check out my Remote Desktop FAQ!

Mikesamuel112

How about import audio CDs to HDD and able to change to ACC, MP3 and ATRAC formats. Don't forget it can encode Dolby TrueHD sound. If you can't do it on your PS3, you shouldn't be doing it!

Digitronical

Folding!

ElMikeTheMike

Yep. Noted.

Noted.

Already listed!


Thanks guys, your input has been noted.

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kilmar

All the super hardware in the world won't amount to anything until they get two of the most important things in a console:

1. Console Price
2. Software (Games)

I have a PS3 and it is sitting in the dust because there's no games out worth play. Sure, I have and finished Resistance. But, that's about it. I also have the xbox 360 and when a game comes out with both platforms, I tend to check which version is better. For example, MLB 2K7. MLB 2K7 is abit worse on the PS3 than on the 360, maybe because they developed it for the 360 and then ported it over the the PS3.

Sony is killing its fanbase with lack of software. Even my 360 is getting dusty as I load up my Wii almost daily because of all the cool games (And also because I just got Big Brain Academy for the Wii).

ElMikeTheMike

You must not have the read the thread title, or anything else. This isnt a discussion on the consoles price and its software. You don't like the PS3? Great, good for you. Make your own thread to whine about it.

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kilmar

I apologize for sounding like a PS3 hater. I am just frustrated by the (non)direction Sony is heading.