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 ![]()
Last Update: Dec 30th
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
Quote:
|
Hi everyone, in the next PS3 firmware update (v2.53), coming soon [now released], we’re improving the way the Flash Player works with the internet browser. In addition to being able to access more sites using Flash, you’ll be able to enjoy: Full-screen mode playability Live movie (using RTMP format) playability Now it’s going to be even easier to enjoy web content on your PS3, in full-screen! via PS Blog |
Firmware 2.52 Adds:
Quote:
|
Stanrc
Mikesamuel112
Guruboy
Transonic
OmegaNemesis28
gr1mo
Edited by ElMikeTheMike - 12/31/08 at 10:15am










