The Official Playstation 3 FAQ & Sticky thread

The Official Playstation 3 FAQ thread

As more people are getting PS3's lately and asking the same questions, it would be useful to have an official PS3 FAQ thread. Just a couple of things first of all.

• This is not a PS3 comparison thread so there’s no need to mention any other consoles
• Feel free to add any info I’ve not covered, I can’t think of everything
• If there's a mistake or wrong info please tell me so It can be changed
• Any arguments, trolling, etc keep out of this thread! go somewhere else if you want post fanboy comments.
• If you cant find the answer here, dont forget to ask anyway

I will try to keep it updated as regular as needed.

OCUK PSN ID Database


General Questions about the PS3
General Info

Main Hardware Specs

Other Specifications

A/V stuff and Supported Disk formats

What is Blu-Ray?
And Region code list.

Playstation Customer Service
Phone numbers

PS3 Accessories
Sixaxis
Headsets
BD remote
Keyboard/Mouse

Useful PS3 Links
Online manual
Backward Compatibility list.
Official Playstation Blog
US Playstation site
UK Playstation site


The PSN Store
PSN Port Forwarding guide
What is the PSN store
Do I have to re purchase something if I delete it or format my drive?
Creating an account for another PSN store
Adding Money to US accounts (one method)



Replacing PS3 Hard disk
Backing up data
Replacing the Hard disk


Linux FAQs
Linux , what is it, what version and what can i do with it?
Installing Linux

Playstation 3 Error Code list

Folding at home info
What is Folding at home
And whats it got to do with the PS3
Other FAH links


Playstation 3 System Software info
Updating via PS3
Updating via PC
Current system software info
System software history

PS3 Media info
Baisc information
Photos , Slide shows, Printing etc
Supported Video formats
CD and Audio Playback, Playlists and copying to PS3 internal HD
Media Streaming
Using media Player 11
Other software Tversity etc

Playstation 3 YLOD Fix
Thanks Trent Lad for the Thread


Now working on the media side of the PS3
Cheers Inoshishi and Joebob for the PSN lists
Thanks to all the people who have submitted info and any websites i have used!

General info
In March 07 Sony released the PS3 in the UK and other PAL Regions, it was only available as a 60Gb Version it included,
* 1 Sixaxis Controller
* 1 AC cord (no external Power Block is required.)
* 1 USB Mini-Cable
* 1 Ethernet Cable
· 1 Multi-AV Cable with Composite Connectors
In July 07 SCEE announced a 60GB bundle deal consisting of a PS3 2 sixaxis controllers, and 2 games from the choice of 5, for £425.

October the 10th 2007 SCEE released the 40Gb PS3 this was to retail at £299 as a console only deal, later game bundles have been added. The big differences between this and the 60GB is that the 40Gb has NO PS2 backward compatibility, no media card slots and only 2 X USB ports. See this handy Chart rp posted, PS3 SKU info Info

They also announced a 60GB bundle deal with 2 games and no extra controller for £350, this was to run until the existing stock of 60Gb PS3’s had gone. Currently only the 40Gb PS3’s are easily available with 60Gb rare in shops and normally over priced.

Main hardware Specs

The PS3 features a CBE processor (Cell Broadband Engine) running at 3.2 GHz giving a theoretical combined 204 GFLOPS single precision and 15 GFLOPS double precision. This is connected to a 256 MB XDR Rambus memory running at 3.2 GHz giving a memory bandwidth of 25.6GB/s . More info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_processor

On the graphics side, the RSX (Reality synthesizer) not much is known Exactly the specs of the RSX its based on the NVIDIA N70 core on a 90nM running at 550 MHz (some say its now 500 but actual figure has been stated since it was announced to be 550 MHz), its pretty much the same as a 7800 GTX but with faster Core and memory Speeds. Sony gave the theoretical max as 1.8 Teraflops. The RSX is connected to 256 MB GDDR3 Ram at 700 MHz, but it can also use system memory, but with a hit on latency. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSX_'Reality_Synthesizer'

The Cell processor's Synergistic Processing Elements (SPEs) will take care of the audio-processing needs in the PlayStation 3, the PS3 will be able to run up to 512 different voices, and apply different sound layers onto them depending on what the developer wishes. More voices means more concurrent sounds--like background music, cars screeching, crashing, guns shooting, and people talking. More layers means more ways to filter the sound. For example, the developer can change the sound of a gunshot to fit into a cave-like environment. The PS3 will support up to eight channels of audio, or 7.1, running at 96KBs per channel (7.1 only available through HDMI)

Other PS3 Specifications.

At present all PAL PS3s come with a 60Gb Hard drive as standard, it also includes an Ethernet port (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) and a Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless connectivity. All the PAL PS3's also have a built in memory card reader for SD, Compact Flash and Sony Memory sticks. There are 4x USB 2.0 sockets in the front of the console. Each PS3 also has a BD (Blu-ray Drive) for games and HD Disc based media, and a HDMI 1.3 Port for connection to a HD compatible screen.
It is approximately 325mm wide by 98mm high and 274mm deep and weighs approx 5kg. It also has Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity for use with up to 7 devices at a time (including controllers); it is compatible with most BT headsets Keyboards and mice.

Available A/V connections.

There are no HD connectors supplied in the box, only a standard composite connector. You can use a PS3 component AV connector (PS2 ones work also), but many HD TVs do not accept 1080P on component and BD movies will not play at 1080 due to no HDCP over a component connection. HDMI is probably the best connection available for HD TV’s but these can be expensive depending on the quality, I use a Sony one it was about £15 and does the job well. For Standard Definition TVs the supplied composite cables will be ok, but for best results use component. The sound output from the PS3 can come from either the A/V lead, optical lead or the HDMI lead, but only HDMI can carry the 7.1 uncompressed audio used in some games. The optical carries 5.1 and the A/V lead is stereo only. In the settings menu on the PS3 you can select any valid combination of outputs via the Sound and display menus for example component video out optical audio out, HDMI Video, AV Audio etc.

Disk formats the PS3 supports
A. Supported Disk formats for the PS3 are,
CD: PlayStation CD-ROM, PlayStation 2 CD-ROM, CD-DA, CD-DA (ROM), CD-R, CD-RW, SACD*, SACD Hybrid (CD layer)*, SACD HD*, Dual Disc, Dual Disc (audio side), Dual Disc (DVD side)
DVD: PlayStation 2 DVD-ROM, PlayStation 3 DVD-ROM, DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW
Blu-ray Disc: PlayStation 3 BD-ROM, BD-Video, BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-RE

*SACD is no longer supported on the 40Gb PS3.

What is Blu ray?
Blu-Ray or BD is a HD disc format that can be used for HiDef Video as well as storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. In the PS3 it is the format used for Disc based games as it can store much more data than a standard DVD9, also it can be used to play BD films. For more info about Blu-ray check out this link http://www.blu-ray.com/faq/

Blu Ray Region Multi region Disk List

Playstation Customer Service

If you ever have any problems with your PS3, the UK customer service number is printed in the back of most game manuals. The numbers are
UK:08705 99 88 77 General Playstation inquiries
08702 42 22 99 Playstation Network inquiries
Eire:0818 365 065

The UK number is not a Sony Helpline its been outsourced, probably why its much better than they used to be.

This is the geographical number its a land line number so you don't get charged loads when ringing them if you ever need to. 01923 653598.

PS3 Accessories
Information about the SIXAXIS controller, Bluetooth headsets, remote, etc

Q. What is the SIXAXIS?
A. The SIXAXIS is the new PS3 controller its layout looks virtually identical to the Dual Shock 2, but there are some major differences. First, the SIXAXIS is wireless (via Bluetooth 2.0 technology) and the system supports seven controllers at once. The Sixaxis features finer analog sensitivity than the DualShock 2, increased to 10-bit precision from the 8-bit precision of the DualShock 2. Next, the L2 and R2 buttons are now triggers, but it's a definite improvement over simple buttons. The biggest addition is that the SIXAXIS features tilt technology that works with six-axis of freedom (roll, pitch, yaw, X, Y, Z). This means that it'll recognize any angle the controller is situated in, allowing you full 3D control over the orientation of an onscreen object. The tilt feature comes at a price however, and thusly the PlayStation 3's controller does not feature the rumble technology found in the Dual Shock 2. However, Sony and Immersion have now come to an agreement regarding their long-running lawsuit so rumble may indeed make its way into a future revision of the controller, though no announcement has been made. The SIXAXIS uses built in rechargeable batteries and is charged via USB with a mini USB port on the front of the controller, the cable is about 5 foot long, but a normal USB extension cable can be purchased if its not long enough for you. The SIXAXIS takes under 2 hours to charge from empty to full, with a charge lasting approximately 30 hours. The battery is stated as non replaceable but Sony have stated when the time comes after several years they will provide a battery replacement service which has been touted as free but as yet no one knows.

Q. What about headsets? Can I use a wireless one?
A. It seems like all USB headsets that worked for the PS2 will work on the PS3, including the one you get free with Socom on the PS2, only PS2 headsets will work with PS2 games on the PS3, this may change in an update at some point though.
The PS3 uses Bluetooth 2.0 for its wireless devices including headsets, all Bluetooth 2.0 and below headsets SHOULD be compatible with the PS3, here’s a link with more info about devices and how to guides http://boardsus.playstation.com/pla...hread.id=898874&view=by_date_ascending&page=1
It gives info on any problems with certain headsets and pairing issues, please note that they are all American headsets so some might not be available or under a different name in the UK. The BD version of Warhawk will include a "free" Jabra Bluetooth Headset which has had a very good rating on the PS3 forums so if you’re interested in this game and don’t have one, then if you can wait till September it may be a good idea to get one then.

Q. Can I use a keyboard and mouse?
A. Yes USB and Bluetooth Keyboard and mice can be used for text input; there may be some games that will use them. Unreal Tournament 3 is one game that has been mentioned having Keyboard/mouse support.

Q. Is there a Remote for the BD / DVD player?
A. Yes you can get a remote for your PS3, at present only the official Sony Bluetooth one is available, you can't use more than one remote with a particular PS3, nor can you use multiple PS3s with one remote, because you have to pair them as you would any other Bluetooth device. From what I can tell, the remote seems to operate just like any other, but of course given that it has Bluetooth, it also packs a range of 10 meters (32 feet) and does not require L.O.S. to the PS3 (being wireless not infa red). Another neat feature is the fact that the remote has a battery monitor, so those days of trying to smack the batteries to squeeze just a little more juice out of them are over. It’s not that cheap though official price is about £17.99, but as normal shop around. It might be worth it because it's pretty much the only alternative unless you want to try to watch a movie with the controller that isn't really designed as a proper remote

Helpful PS3 links
Some useful links to things such as BC lists, online manuals,

Online manual

There is a manual included with your PS3, but with Sony updating the firmware at monthly intervals at present, adding new features, it soon becomes out dated. Luckily Sony have an online manual available which is kept up to date with the latest firmware, it is available via the PS3 web browser or from here, Online PS3 user guide

Backwards Compatibility.

The PAL PS3 does not include all the PS2 hardware to run PS2 games, so software emulation is used. Currently about 70-80% of PAL PS2 games work on PAL PS3's, note that all PS1/PS2 games are region locked on the PS3, so you cant play a US PS2 game on a PAL PS3 and vica versa.
PAL Backwards Compatibility List

Official PS3 sites.

Sony a few months ago launched an official Blog site, this keeps you updated with latest game, PS network and firmware update news amongst other things. Official Playstation Blog

Official UK PS3 site
Official US PS3 Site

The PSN store.

The PSN store or Play Station Network store is a new feature that Sony has developed for the PS3, at present it contains Game Demos, Game trailers, Movie trailers, Full price Games, DLC for games and in some places Music videos.
Each area of the PSN Japan, US, Australia etc have there own PSN stores which in some cases have different content. Sometimes a Demo is released in one area before the other, for example the Ninja Gaiden Sigma demo was available in the US/Japan store months before the UK one.


Q) How do I download things from another PSN Store?
A. First of all create a new User on XMB, it may be an idea to have it the same as your own id but with Japan or US after it for example FREDSPS3JAPAN. Once you have made a new user ID go over to were it has Friends on the XMB and select Sign up Network ID. It will then go to screen with Account Registration, here you can choose which countries PSN Store you want to access, don’t forget it will then change the language for the text to match the country. If you select Hong Kong you can, were it asks language change it to English and all the rest of the registration will be in English rather Chinese/Japanese, I will try to describe as much as possible to help those doing a Japanese account. Once you have entered the details and select your age as over 18 (if you are of course), you have to create a master account (top one for those in not in English). A new page will appear its the terms and conditions so accept it, the button to accept or yes is always on the right and no / decline on left (funny that!) next page. It then asks you for an email address and password (twice), the email address need to be different from any other accounts you have made or it doesn’t work. The final part of this page is your secret question and answer so just use anything! Next up is were you have to put in your new PSN ID much like the user one I just used my normal one with Japan or whatever on the end. For the Japanese store it has some Japanese writing then you can see Play station Network in English and ID near the text box, may help with your navigation around the create process, when done again use the right side tab to accept and carry on to the next page. You now need to enter your name, well any random name for another account if you so wish, then select your sex with the two radio buttons underneath male is left female is right, accept on the right when you’re done to carry on. Next you have to add your address, for this it’s a good idea to google for a hotel or something in the country your looking to register and use some the details for the address for your PSN account. The first box contains 3 numbers so use any combination, or the one you found earlier, fill in all the other details, in the Japan store I just used any combination of words will do. Nearly there, next it will ask you if you want to add funds to your wallet select the bottom option (no), final page now don’t select the check box and press accept, it may link you to a questionnaire if so press the PS button and quit out. Now log into the PSN store using your email and password, you can select auto sign in if you want to speed things up.

Q. Do I have to re purchase something if I delete it or format my drive?
A. Sony operates a policy of the same user can download protected content such as a game, 5 times before you have to repurchase. When you purchase items from the PSN store the corresponding link on the store is removed, this is to stop you downloading the same thing again by mistake. To download it again log on to the user who downloaded the item (if using different PSN stores) then access the PS Store, if you look in the Download list all the items you have downloaded excluding videos will be there. This includes free demos and games, full games, DLC for games, PS1 titles etc, just select download and it will start.

Replacing the Hard disk and Backing Up PS3 data.

Replacing the hard drive in a PS3 is pretty easy to do, and it does not void your warranty (its mentioned in the PS3 manual), but its probably a good idea to keep hold of the original one in case you have to send back your PS3. All the tools you require is a small Phillip’s/ Pozi screwdriver, something like the watchmakers size you can buy quite cheaply will be fine. The Hard drive itself has to be a 2.5” 5400 RPM SATA drive, something like this will be fine, This is the one I use myself
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-128-WD&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=896

Backing up data.

Before starting to backup data make sure the External drive is formatted to Fat32

Before you replace your drive back up all the data on the PS3 you require, all the settings, updates, User ID’s and passwords etc are saved on internal flash. You can use the System backup in the settings tab on the XMB, It backs up PS3 saved games, photos, and any unprotected music and videos. It wont back up your downloaded games or protected content, but you can reinstall them from the PSN store download list tab (see PSN Store links) .The PS2 and PS1 games you can back up yourself to a USB key or external hard drive as I’m not 100% sure that it will get backed up with the system backup.
To restore the data connect the device you used, and again to the system backup tab and select restore from backup.

Replacing Drive and Formatting

First of all switch off your PS3, put the PS3 on its side, remove the small plastic cover on the hard drive bay, and then unscrew the blue screw that holds the hard drive in place. Lift up the small metal tab, slide the drive to your right, and then pull out. Now remove the small screws on the side of the metal tray that carries your current serial ATA 2.5" drive. Place the new 160 GB drive in the metal tray, reverse the process with the screws, slide it back into the PS3, and put back the blue screw along with the plastic covering of the hard drive enclosure. As soon as you boot up the console, the PS3 will detect that the HDD is not formatted, and it will ask you if you would like to format. You must select yes twice, because they want you to be sure that you realize you will be destroying all the data. Once the HDD is formatted, which takes less than 2 minutes, the unit will ask you to reboot. Once you have done so, you can go into the settings menu option in the PS3 OS. Then choose system settings, and then finally system information. There you will see a display of the HDD space on your console. If you have done everything correctly, you will see that the HDD space now reflects the amount of space on the replacement drive. Keep in mind, about 10 to 15 GB of space will be taken up by the PS3 for system use, so do not be alarmed when the HDD space measurement comes up short.
Nice little video on how to remove and replace Drive

Linux

Originally Sony stated that they were going to pre-install Linux on the PlayStation 3's hard drive, but current units shipping do not include Linux pre-installed. Instead, Sony has made an option in the XMB menu to install other operating systems. Soon after the PlayStation 3 was launched, Sony released an "OtherOS" application that allowed booting into Linux and an Add-on CD image that modded the selected distribution's kernel to properly run on the PlayStation 3.

Q) What is Linux? And what can I do with it?

Linux is an operating system that was initially created as a hobby by a young student, Linus Torvalds, at the University of Helsinki in Finland. Linus had an interest in Minix, a small UNIX system, and decided to develop a system that exceeded the Minix standards. He began his work in 1991 when he released version 0.02 and worked steadily until 1994 when version 1.0 of the Linux Kernel was released. The kernel, at the heart of all Linux systems, is developed and released under the GNU General Public License and its source code is freely available to everyone. Linux will allow you to install and run software such as media players, web browsers, photo editors, games etc, basically most of the program types you can run under windows.

Q) What versions of Linux can I use with my PS3?

A) Sony official recommend and support Yellow dog Linux (YDL) version 5 onwards, the current version 5.0.2 also supports the PS3 WiFi adaptor, but currently not for WPA encryption. These other versions (or distributions) Ubuntu, Fedora Core 5, Gentoo and Debian all work on the PS3, fedora core 6 also works, but with is more difficult to install. The more recent Fedora 7 installs quite easy as it uses its own installer program. The YDL PS3 distro also includes many other applications on its disc including Open office, Firefox, and several games.

Installing Linux

Before you start a few things you have to be aware off.
1) Linux will only run in Hi Def, your PS3 must be connected to a HD TV or monitor via the HDMI port or component
2) You will have to format the Hard drive so back up all data (see here for info on doing this)
3) At present only USB mice and keyboards are fully supported under Linux (this may change with future updates)

These are steps for installing YDL 5.0.2; it can be different for other distros so I have listed some links to the specific ones.

Gentoo Distro

Ubuntu Distro

Fedora Core 5 Distro


First of all download the ISO for YDL 5.02, link to download site and mirrors can be found here, it also gives info on what is on the DVD and the size of the download,
http://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=yellowdog

First of all backup all data you need and select format drive, follow on screen instructions, then select partition, it gives you the option to "allot 10Gb to other OS", so select this option to install YDL there. Follow the onscreen instructions and quick format your drive, it only takes a couple of minutes, afterwards your PS3 will restart.

Then follow this installation guide,
YDL installation Guide

Returning to the Game OS

Your PS3 will now boot to YDL each time it powers on unless you command kboot (the bootloader) to again boot the Game OS
To return to the Game OS, at the kboot prompt, enter:
boot-game-os [ENTER]
The PLAYSTATION®3 may be forced to return to the Game OS by holding the Power button for about 5 seconds at power on. Doing this resets your PS3 to Factory default. To return to Yellow Dog Linux you need to select the default system tab of the settings menu, and select other OS.

Playstation 3 Error Code List

Here's a list of the PS3 error codes with info about what they are and how to solve the it. After some firmware updates more codes are added.

0710102 - DNS Error; No DSN server available.

8001050B - Will not play demo hard drive games, when blue-ray disc is inserted - Cause unknown

80010510 - Will not play hard drive games - Cause unknown

8002b241 - DVI has no audio.

80028EA5 - Unknown

80029023 - Exchanging Key Information exchange has timed out

80029024 - The attempt to obtain an IP address has timed out

80029564 - Downloaded Game will not install - Cause unknown

8002F997 - Can not update XMB firmware

8003051E - Game will not Save

80031150 - System Settings Fail to Save - Possible Blue Screen "Setting information is corrupted.Press the x button to repair and restore default"

80130203 - PS3 connects to internet but not to network - Typically means that the required ports are not open to connect to store but PS3 can connect to internet.

80710092 - "An error has occurred. you've been signed out from the ps network" - (connection dropped?)

80710102 - PS3 Cannot connect to the router with current IP information - Try rebooting your router

80710541 - The connection to the server timed out.

80710B23 - PS3 Network is Down or PS3 Network is too busy to respond

80710D23 - Turn the PS3 off for a bit (30 minutes give or take) with the power toggle (not standby mode).

80029024 -"Cannot Obtain an IP address".

80028EA5 Unknown - User cannot connect to PS3 network. Sony told the user to send the machine in.

8002b241 - DVI has no audio

8001050B - "Will not play demo hard drive games, (when blue-ray disc is inserted) - cause unknown".

8002F997 - Trying to Update the Firmware, copying to a file and installing from a USB drive failed".

80710016 - Playstation Network is down.

8013013E - WEP Key error, change WEP key to all numbers (on router homepage) and try again, or which to WPA.

8071053D - Hard boot the PS3, turn off the PS3 to stand-by, flip off the back switch and remove the power cord. Then shut off your modem/router, for about 5 minutes, then turn the modem back up first and let it sync, then turn the router back on(if using one) and let it sycn. Reconnect your power cable and flip the back switch up again. Then make a new network connection.

8013030F - Check Router Page, SSID Broadcasting possibly off.

8002F994 - To many people downloading the update just sit back until the morning around 5am - 11am and you should be able to get it.

80410A0B - Internal PSP error, hardware fault. Send back to be replaced/fixed.

80028F10 - Go to Display Settings then HDMI (or whatever your connection is) and choose Automatic, not Custom. I always had it on Custom before. Seems when you choose Automatic it allows the PS3 to select 50hz which is what you need for PAL games that don't support 60hz.

8002A705 - Unable to connect to server/host. Check router port configuration.

80030920 - An error occurred during the copy operation. The file may be corrupt or there isn't enough memory. Try copying data from original source.

Folding at home

What is folding at home?

Folding at home is a distributed computing project, much like the SETI project a few years back. It was launched on October 1, 2000, and is currently managed by the Pande Group, within Stanford University's Chemistry department, under the supervision of Professor Vijay S. Pande. Folding@home is one of the largest distributed computing projects. The goal of the project is "to understand protein folding, misfolding, and related diseases" This will hopefully in time lead to accurate simulations of protein folding and misfolding enable the scientific community to better understand the development of many diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, BSE (mad cow disease), cancer, Huntington's Disease, Cystic Fibrosis.

Q. Ok but why is it on the PS3 FAQS?

From March 2007 Sony and FAH project released a client specifically for the PS3, it uses the new Cell processor in the PS3 to achieve performance previously only possible on supercomputers. They think by using the cell, they will likely be able to attain performance on the 20 gigaflop scale per computer. So with about 50,000 such machines, they could achieve performance on the petaflop scale. It is down loadable from the Playstation network for free, and can be set to run when your PS3 is idle or when you want it too.

More info about this can be found here,
Folding at Home PS3 FAQ

Also OCUK has its own FAH team, set your team number to 10 and fold for OCUK!
OCUK Distributed computing forum

System software updates

PlayStation 3 System Software, sometimes referred to incorrectly as firmware, is updateable software and operating system for the PlayStation 3. While the System Software updates may sometimes provide updates to the system's firmware, it is unlikely that this occurs with many, or any updates. The update process is similar to the firmware updates for the PlayStation Portable (PSP). The updates can be downloaded from the PlayStation Network directly to the PS3 and subsequently installed. Sony has also provided the ability to download system software updates from their respective official PlayStation website to their PCs and then storage media, from which the update can be installed to the system. Updates can also be installed from game discs that require the updates to be able to play the game.

Updating PS3 System Software Via PS3

If your PS3 is online, the most straightforward way to update the system software is using the PLAYSTATION 3 itself. Navigate to Settings on the PS3 Home Menu, select [System Update] and then [Update via Internet] and your PS3 will check if you have the latest version. If not, it will download and install it for you.

*****VERY IMPORTANT DO NOT SWITCH OFF YOUR PS3 WHEN UPDATING SOFTWARE****
IT MAY KILL YOUR MACHINE!
If it fails during the download it wont be a problem, but if it fails to while installing new software contact the PS3 customer service number elsewhere in this FAQ immediately, like i said DO NOT Switch off your Machine if this happens.

Updating PS3 system software via a PC

This is a link to the latest system update, you can download this onto a USB flash drive and install on your PS3 this way instead of downloading it from your PS3.
UK Firmware info

To transfer the update data to your PLAYSTATION 3, save the file to a PS3 compatible storage device such as Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, USB drive or PSP.
Before starting, use your PC to create a folder named 'PS3' on the storage media or USB device. Within the folder, create a folder named 'UPDATE' (This folder name is case sensitive and must appear in all capital letters). Once the UPDATE folder has been created, download the PS3 system software update to this location.
Once the update data has been saved, disconnect the storage device and connect it to your PS3 via the slots under the slot cover or the USB connectors depending on the device you're using.
Once connected, navigate to Settings on the PS3 Home Menu, select [System Update] and then [Update via Storage Media]. Select the connected device and your PS3 will install the update data stored there.

PS3 System Software Info


More in depth info about the latest PS3 system software update can be found here

Thought i would list the evolution of the PS3 system software.

Version Date Released Description
1.10 November 11, 2006

* PlayStation Network services and Remote Play for the 60 GB model was added.

1.11 November 28, 2006

* Account Management was added.

1.30 December 6, 2006

* Adds compatibility of USB devices for PS2 games.

1.31 December 13, 2006

* Allows use of the HDD for certain PS2 games.
* Expands compatibility of PSOne and PS2 games.

1.32 December 21, 2006

* Online gaming functionality was updated.

1.50 January 24, 2007

* Fixes graphical glitches on PSOne and PS2 games that may cause jagged graphics.

1.51 February 2, 2007

* Support for PS3 format software titles has been expanded.

1.54 February 28, 2007

* Allows you to add your own user icon from the photo menu.
* Adds USB webcam support.

1.60 March 23, 2007

* Adds the following:
o Folding@home client.
o Background downloading.
o An on-screen QWERTY keyboard in addition to the standard PlayStation on-screen keyboard.
o Remote Play support for the 20 GB model.
o Support for Bluetooth keyboards and mice.
o First version to support software emulation on PS1/PS2 games for PAL units.
o Support for playback of BD-RE (Blu-ray Disc Rewritable) ver 3.0.

1.70 April 18, 2007

* Adds the ability to play PSOne games downloaded from the PlayStation Store.
* Adds rumble functionality for USB accessories which support it when playing PS2 games.
* Saved data from PlayStation format software can now be used on both PSP and PS3 systems.

1.80 May 24, 2007

* Adds the ability to:
o upscale DVDs, PSOne and PS2 games to 1080p.
o smooth jaggies of PSOne and PS2 games.
o copy PSOne/PS2 game saves from PS3 to Memory Cards using a Memory Card adaptor.
o downscale Blu-ray video to 720p.
o edit CD information and submit it to AMG.
o print photos via USB. (Currently, only select Epson printers connected are compatible)
o zoom and crop images.
* Added Remote Play over the Internet. (Broadband connection and PSP firmware v3.50 required)
* Added DLNA compatibility.
* Added support for the xvYCC color space.
* Added a new slideshow type.
* (Unofficial) Many users of Westinghouse 1080p LCD TVs have reported that this update fixes a notorious blinking problem over the HDMI interface.

1.81 June 15, 2007

* The method of setting RGB Full Range (HDMI) under Display Settings was improved.
* The stability of the network connection used during gameplay was improved for some PlayStation 2 format software titles that support online gaming.

1.82 June 28, 2007

* Support for playback of AVC High Profile (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC) format video was added.

1.90 July 23, 2007

* Wallpaper feature for the background of XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) is added.
* Emoticons in messages under [Friends].
* Support for text entry in simplified Chinese characters as been added.
* Ability to enter text directly into Web page text entry fields using a USB keyboard.
* Ability to use Traditional Chinese characters as a text entry method.
* Browser speed has been improved.
* Ability to eject a game using the controller.
* Upsampled output of audio CDs is now supported.
* Playback of AVCHD-format video files that are saved on Memory Stick™ media or on the hard disk of a digital video camera.
* Ability to sort games that are saved on the PlayStation 3's hard disk.

1.92 September 4, 2007
Game changes
· Playability status with the PS3 system changed for some PlayStation 2 format titles. This does not affect titles in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania.

1.93 September 12, 2007
System changes
· The stability of the network connection has been improved.

1.94 October 23, 2007
Game changes
· Adds support for DualShock3 controller, ONLY available on Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction game disc (required to play)


2.00 November 8, 2007
Settings changes
· You can now customise the PLAYSTATION®3 XMB Home Menu icons or background design by using a .p3t compiler released by Sony.
· [Remote Start] has been added as an option under [Remote Play Settings].
· [Colour], [Background] and [Font] have been added as options under [Theme Settings].
· You can now select [Brightness] as an option under [Theme Settings] > [Background].
· The process for setting [Internet Connection Settings] under [Network Settings] has been changed.
· You can now select Canon printers with the [Printer Selection] option under [Printer Settings].
Media changes
· You can now create playlists to organise content under [Music] and [Photo].
Disc changes
· You can now play SACD via digital optical audio output. The DSD stream is converted to multichannel DTS or stereo PCM, depending on settings.
Game changes
· [Vibration Function] has been added as an option under [Controller Settings] in the menu that appears when you press the PS button on the wireless controller.
o To use this feature, a DUALSHOCK®3 Wireless Controller is required.
System changes
· New grouping options for the [Group Content] feature have been added to the options menu.
· [Information Board] has been added as a feature under [Network]. PlayStation® related news can be displayed on the PLAYSTATION®3 Home Menu.
· [PLAYSTATION®Network] has been added as a category in the PLAYSTATION®3 Home Menu.
· [Trend Micro Web Security for PS3™] has been added as a security option under the Internet browser.
· You can now view video content (as a progressive download) as it is being downloaded from PLAYSTATION®Store.
· The voice/video chat menu has been changed.
· You can now use the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera for voice / video chat.[4]

2.01 November 20, 2007
Settings changes
· The Remote Start specifications have been changed to prevent an unintentional remote start by the user.
Disc changes
· DSD-to-DTS conversion has been removed again. Optical output from SACD remains possible but in stereo only.
Game changes
· The operating stability of some PLAYSTATION®3 format software has been improved.
· The operating stability when outputting upscaled PlayStation®2 format software has been improved.
o Only for models that support playback of PlayStation®2 format software.
System changes
· The stability of the system software has been improved for some operations, including the use of the Internet Browser and information board.

2.10 December 18, 2007
Settings changes
· Voice Changer feature has been added to voice / video chat and is available in games that support microphones.
o The tone of the sound that is inputted from an audio device such as a microphone can be changed. High and low-pitched tones can each be adjusted to five preset levels.
· Bitmapping [Type 3] has been added as an option under Settings > [Music Settings] > [Bitmapping].
Media changes
· A new visualization has been added (Earth Visualization - press [Square] to cycle through)
· DivX, XviD and VC-1 (WMV) have been added to the types of files that can be played.
o To play VC-1 (WMV) format files, users must go to Settings > [System Settings] and set [Enable WMA Playback].
o Copyright-protected files or files that were encoded by using DivX 3.11 cannot be played. - Files that are 2GB or more cannot be played.
Disc changes
· Blu-ray Bonus View Profile 1.1 is now supported.
o Users are now able to use several additional features such as playback of two videos at the same time with Profile 1.1-compatible Blu-Ray Discs. The available features vary depending on the disc.
· [BD Data Utility] has been added. The management data that is used by the Blu-Ray Disc is saved in this folder.
Game changes
· Users can now play PS1 game discs on a PSP with remote play. (although this feature was not announced)

I see you finally got it finished then - nice one

I think this is a job well done msmalls... let me be the first to give you a virtual pat on the back.

Mods - any chance of making this a sticky?

+Sticky!

Fantastic job mate, well done

Well done, very informative.

Reported for sticky. Nice job.

carlazai said:

Reported for sticky. Nice job.

Click to expand...

how do you report for a sticky???