Unpacking the PlayStation

November 15, 2006 by: Chris Remo

PlayStation 3 is a very shiny console. That's really the first thing that strikes you as you lift it out of its handle-equipped packaging and remove the protective wrapping. That's exactly what I just did with our final retail model of the PlayStation 3, which just came in. Here, I'll share initial impressions of the system, from the physical hardware to its software interface.

As you are most likely aware, PS3 comes in two versions, a $599 60GB hard drive-equipped version, and a $499 20GB version. Functionally, the two systems are nearly identical, particularly since the 20GB model has been outfitted with initially unexpected HDMI capability. For your extra hundred clams, you'll snag built-in wi-fi, support for multiple memory card formats including SD, CompactFlash, and Memory Stick, and of course 40GB more hard drive space.

The 60GB hard drive model, which we received, also has a stripe of silver trim that goes to enhance the system's shininess. It is clear that in this console generation, Sony is shooting for the upscale look. Nintendo's machine aims to be the accessible everyman console, Microsoft's strives to be hip and youthful, and Sony's is imposing and exclusive. This aesthetic is borne out by the machine's upper-end price tag, physical girth, and cornucopia of high-tech features: 1080p output, HDMI, Blu-ray, support for multiple storage media formats, wi-fi, easily upgradeable hard drive, and so on.

Replacing the hard drive

Speaking of that last bit, the upgradeable hard drive, it does indeed seem that it is quite easy. Some internet users have expressed concern that replacing the hard drive may be a procedure that requires opening the machine and voiding the warranty, but that is not the case. There is a clearly labeled port on one side of the machine that comes off easily, then a single screw that must be removed to allow the hard drive to slide free. There is a mounting bracket on the included hard drive to be affixed to the new hard drive, then it simply slides right back in. Both PS3 models will accept any standard 2.5" internal serial ATA drive.

Setting up the PS3

PlayStation 3, as a broadly high-definition device, supports several types of video output cables: composite, component, s-video, and HDMI. Rather annoyingly (and surprisingly, given Sony's heavy focus on HDTV with PS3), the system only includes the 480i-supporting composite cables. On the upside, PlayStation and PlayStation 2 video output cables of any type work just fine with PlayStation 3, so if you've got component cables left over from PS2, you're all set. As a courtesy, Sony also supplied us with an HDMI cable; the system has a standard HDMI port with no proprietary connector, and this is what we used to get our system up.

After plugging everything in with your cables of choice and turning on the console, you'll be presented with a prompt to plug in the included wireless Sixaxis controller with a USB cable. This is simply a standard USB-to-mini-USB cord that comes with the system and connects the controller to the console. When connected, it both recharges the controller's internal battery and transmits control data. One niggle is that the included USB cord is quite short. In general, the cable will only be used when the controller is charging, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue, but for the initial charging period (during which you're certainly going to want to be playing your brand new PS3) it's a bit inconvenient.

There's a standard progression of basic console settings--time and date, video resolution options, and so on--and at the end you are asked to input your name. As on the PSP, Sony has opted for a cell-phone-like input system with eleven buttons, each of which contains several letters that can be cycled through with quick repeated tapping of the X button. If you've ever used a phone to send a text message, it's very easy to get the hang of. You can also plug in a USB keyboard to expedite things.

Getting into the main menu

After inputting your name, the machine loads up its main dashboard, accompanied by a pleasant orchestra crescendo and satin-like rolling backdrop that serve to continue with the system's deliberately elegant atmosphere. Functionally, the dashboard is very much like the PSP's cross media bar; numerous categories are arrayed horizontally, with some of them containing nested vertical menus for additional options. The top-level categories are as follows:

Users: Allows you to create additional user profiles or switch between them.

Settings: Contains a vast number of system configuration options, as well as a button to automatically download the latest official software update. When I selected that option, I began downloading the current firmware version. Surprisingly, it took about 35 minutes to download and install the update.

Photo: Allows you to browse photos from a storage device, in which you can zoom and pan on specific images. There's also an included photo album application that will arrange your photos into an animated slide show that renders the pictures as if they were actual hard copy photographs being lightly tossed onto a table. The controller can be used to change the scrolling speed or direction of the slideshow. It's not a crucial feature but it is actually rather well done and pleasant to watch.

Music: Here you can play music from a storage device or optical disc such as a CD. If you put in a CD, the system will automatically detect album information. The audio player itself is basically what you'd expect, with standard playback functions and the option to turn on a basic visualization feature that scrolls through a few different colorful patterns. You can also import music tracks to the hard drive; through the Settings menu, you can set the system to encode in AAC, MP3, or ATRAC formats at a variety of bitrates. After ripping it, you can choose to sort or group tracks by artist or album name. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that you are able to leave the music playing while you do other things on the dashboard. You can also play music in those same formats from a flash memory card; note that to get the system to detect the files, you may have to press triangle with the flash card highlighted and select "Display All." This eluded us for several minutes. From there you can play the media or copy it to the hard drive.

Video: Here you can play videos from a storage device or optical disc such as a DVD or Blu-ray Disc. The manual specifies that only MPEG-4 video files are playable from flash memory cards. We attempted to play MPEG-4 as well as DivX, MPEG, QuickTime, and Windows Media videos, and succeeded in getting both MPEG and MPEG-4 to play. As with music, you may have to press the triangle button and select "Display All" on the memory card to be able to browse through your videos. As far as Blu-ray discs, I can't offer any deep critical opinion, but they look great running in 720p and undoubtedly look even better in 1080p. Audio is mixed in uncompressed 5.1 PCM, which is sure to be a plus for audiophiles. That's all I'm really going to say about Blu-ray. (Come on, this is a gaming website!)

Game: Highlighting the Game option will replace the PS3 dashboard with a full screen game-specific background. There are also sub-options to manage PS3 saved game data as well as PlayStation or PlayStation 2 memory cards (using a separately sold adapter). If you don't need to retrieve save data from old PS/PS2 memory cards, you can create virtual memory cards for either system directly on the PS3 hard drive.

Network: The Network menu allows you to browse online PS3 user manuals (which are just what they sound like), activate the Remote Play feature that will let you play PS3 games on your PSP via a local area network when PSP gains the necessary system update, launch the system's internet browser (more on that later), and enter the PlayStation Store. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, I am unable to enter the PlayStation Store, as it requires a PlayStation Network ID, and currently the PlayStation Network is only open to Japanese users.

Friends: Currently, this consists only of an option to sign up for the PlayStation Network. After doing so, it will contain other friends list-related options, but as mentioned above the PlayStation Network is currently only operational in Japan.

Hafiz Comment: I currently happy with my Xbox 360.. Maybe i will buy one if the machine was modified & play metal gear solid 4