Noob needs help understanding PS3

[Caveman]

My understanding is that these can double as a Blue Ray player...

So... I was thinking, why not spend another $100 or so and get a gaming system too? I'm not a hardcore gamer, but my wife and I want somethng to have some fun with every now and then... To unwind together at the end of the day...

Questions:

1) Does the Blue Ray player work at least "average"...? I mean, will I be able to play movies and will they be at least 90-95% as good looking as a dedicated Blue Ray player?

2) Are the games any good? What should I get?

3) I've seen the 80GB version at Costco for $483. That seemed very high... Looks like one can be purchased from Dell for about $150 less... What gives? Are all 80GB PS3 units the same?

4) Is there another size aside from 80GB? What does 80GB give a person that say 60GB wont?

I plan to port the signal out to a 720P Marantz PJ and shine the image on a 102" screen.

Please help... Looking to purchase tonight from Dell...

 

[Queasy]

Noob FAQ

1) Yes. One of the best if not the best Blu-Ray players.
2) See FAQ
3) See FAQ
4) See FAQ

 

[DaveSimmons]

It's one of the best blu-ray players and is the most future proof. It's also a very good upscaling DVD player. Get Netflix and they only charge an extra $1/month for blu-ray.

> ) Are the games any good? What should I get?

If you already have a 360 and are paying for Live Gold then you'll want to buy most cross-platform games on it instead, for more online players, better online support. Many games (especially old ones) have slightly better versions on the 360.

See the other 2-3 recent PS3 threads for what exclusive games to buy.


You shouldn't pay more than $399 and there is supposed to be a bundle at that price with Ratchet & Clank game plus Casino Royale blu-ray movie. Costco makes you buy extras you don't want in their bundles, like a $400 wii.

Check Hot Deals and/or BradMAN's GottaDeal.com for deals, there was a Dell coupon today that's probably expired now. SonyStyle.com was giving $150 credit for signing up for a Sony/Chase CC, that would get you a PS3 for $250.


80 GB is the standard size, the older 20,60,40 are discontinued. 80 GB leaves you plenty of room for game installs and you can also store your music collection, photos, compatible movies.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
It's one of the best blu-ray players and is the most future proof.

The future proof comment is true, as long as you can hook it up to an internet connection.

 

[DaveSimmons]

^ or if you have a PC connected to the internet, since you can download the PS3 firmware updates to a USB stick using your PC.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
^ or if you have a PC connected to the internet, since you can download the PS3 firmware updates to a USB stick using your PC.

Good catch, I forgot about that update method.

 

[Caveman]

Thanks all!!! That's great to know about the upscaling capabilities. That's one of the reasons I love the Toshiba HDA2 so much...

A few more questions... I'm thinking of going the "cheap" route and just getting a Blue Ray DVD player for a PC in the same room as the PJ... My understanding is that I can get one for about $100.

1) It would seem a Blue Ray player on a PC would not have things like scaling, etc? Yes?

2) I've never considered the wii or the Xbox since I'm not a hardcore gamer anyway and think those 3 systems are all comparable anyway. Is that a mistake? I saw the wii at BB one day and was impressed with it... My 6 and 5 year olds loved Mario Cart, and I liked the concept of the wireless steering wheel.

3) If the console must be positioned about 20-25 feet from where we will sit, is that an issue? Are there extra long cords for the joysticks, etc for the PS3?

 

[Queasy]

1) A Blu-Ray player on the PC could have scaling depending on the software/hardware used.
2) Graphically, the Wii can't hold up to the PS3 or 360. The Wii differentiates itselt with the motion controls. The PS3 and 360 are basically even when it comes to graphics.
3) The PS3 controllers are wireless as are the controllers for the Wii and the 360.

 

[blurredvision]

Originally posted by: Caveman
1) It would seem a Blue Ray player on a PC would not have things like scaling, etc? Yes?

2) I've never considered the wii or the Xbox since I'm not a hardcore gamer anyway and think those 3 systems are all comparable anyway. Is that a mistake? I saw the wii at BB one day and was impressed with it... My 6 and 5 year olds loved Mario Cart, and I liked the concept of the wireless steering wheel.

3) If the console must be positioned about 20-25 feet from where we will sit, is that an issue? Are there extra long cords for the joysticks, etc for the PS3?

1. Not sure about that.
2. The 360 and PS3 are more direct competitors, and the Wii is kind of setting itself in a different demographic.
3. You shouldn't have any issues at that distance with the 360 or PS3 controllers losing connectivity, assuming there isn't a ton of crap in the way (I'd assume not since you need to see the TV). However, if you get the Wii, you will most likely have issues, assuming the sensor bar will also be 20-25 feet away. When I had my Wii, the sensor bar was approximately 15 feet away from where I sat, and I had all kinds of problems.

 

[Matt2]

Originally posted by: Caveman
Thanks all!!! That's great to know about the upscaling capabilities. That's one of the reasons I love the Toshiba HDA2 so much...

A few more questions... I'm thinking of going the "cheap" route and just getting a Blue Ray DVD player for a PC in the same room as the PJ... My understanding is that I can get one for about $100.

1) It would seem a Blue Ray player on a PC would not have things like scaling, etc? Yes?

2) I've never considered the wii or the Xbox since I'm not a hardcore gamer anyway and think those 3 systems are all comparable anyway. Is that a mistake? I saw the wii at BB one day and was impressed with it... My 6 and 5 year olds loved Mario Cart, and I liked the concept of the wireless steering wheel.

3) If the console must be positioned about 20-25 feet from where we will sit, is that an issue? Are there extra long cords for the joysticks, etc for the PS3?

2) Stay away from the Wii. Can't even play DVDs without hacking it. Not to mention everything looks super high def at 480p.

3) My 360 and PS3 controllers both work outside at my car which is parked on the street with no line of sight. I dont think you have to worry about that.

 

[dguy6789]

The Wii probably is the superior console for casuals who just want to play a game together once in a while. It's great as a family machine as well. But it is only a game player, it doesn't play movies.

 

[purbeast0]

blu-ray

 

[arredondo]

Originally posted by: Caveman

2) Are the games any good? What should I get?

I'll add more info on this question. Since you and your wife appear to be gaming "casuals", I recommend the following titles:

High Velocity Bowling (PSN download): Use the wireless motion controller to "bowl" just like in real life.

LittleBigPlanet It's a 2.5D platformer. One of the most charming and entertaining co-op games ever made. You two will love it.

Buzz!: A comical trivia game show on popular topics like movies, oldies music, sport, food/drinks, and more. Comes with noob-friendly wireless buzzers for up to 4-players (online or offline).

Sing Star: Grab the mic and sing to dozens and dozens of music videos and be rated on your performance. Has an option to record your performance with the optional PSEye.

There are more, but that's a good starter list for games you and your wife would likely enjoy with your PS3. Ask questions if there is a genre favorite of yours that you want to know more about (i.e., for realistic sports driving, look into Grand Turismo: Prologue).

 

[TMoney468]

Just a quick note about a Blu-ray drive on a PC...wouldn't both your video card and your monitor have to be HDCP-capable in order to play Blu-Ray movies? Not sure if this is an issue for you, but it could be a problem.