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Get the most from your PlayStation 3 by using the correct setting and cables to suit your particular TV.

Follow the set-up instructions in your Quick Reference manual to connect your TV to PlayStation 3 via AV Cable, Euro-AV Connector Plug or S VIDEO Cable (sold separately). Once connected, switch on your TV and switch on your PS3. SCART users will find the TV automatically picks up the PS3 signal; if not (or you're using a different cable) refer to your TV manual to switch manually to the PS3 input AV channel.

Once your PS3 signal is found and you have followed the initial instruction, you'll see the XMB (XrossMediaBar) for the first time. To make sure you're getting the best quality display on your particular television, use your Wireless Controller to navigate to the Settings icon. Head down to [Display Settings], and select [Video Output Settings]. Here you can set up your PS3 to suit your particular needs. If you make a mistake and the screen goes blank or unreadable, simply wait 30 seconds and it will revert to its previous settings.

Connecting to High Definition (HD) televisions

If your television supports a High Definition (HD) signal, you'll need a specific cable for a HD signal. Check whether your television supports the Component AV Cable (the one with five connectors, sold separately) or HDMI Cable (sold separately). If in doubt, refer to your television's instruction manual. If your TV supports 1080p you will need the HDMI cable to view 1080p content.

Connecting for a HD picture is very similar to connecting to an SD set; simply follow the steps in your Quick Reference manual to connect your TV to PlayStation 3 via Component AV or HDMI cable (both sold separately). Then follow the process above to go through the Home Menu and set up your display. Please note, that PlayStation 3 can detect the presence of a HDMI cable automatically. Simply follow the on-screen instructions.

Read this guide if you experience difficulty in operating the PS3 system.

Should any problem persist, contact the appropriate PlayStation customer service helpline which can be found within every
PlayStation 3 software manual.

Power

The system does not turn on.
Check that the AC power cord is securely inserted in the system and the electrical outlet.

When the power button is pressed, the system beeps repeatedly and then the power indicator will turn off.
The temperature inside the system is becoming too high. Check whether the system is being used in a location that is too warm. Ensure that vents are not blocked and that there is adequate airflow around the system. Press the power button. (The power indicator will become solid red.) Wait a while, and then turn on the system again.

Picture

There is no picture on the TV screen.

• Check that the cable is securely inserted. Try disconnecting the cable from the PS3 system or TV and then reconnecting it.
• There may be a problem with the AV cable in use. Try using another cable that is compatible with the PS3 system.
• Adjust the video input on the TV to match the input connector that is being used to connect to the PS3 system.
• If the video output settings on the system do not match those of the cable or TV in use, there may be no picture. If the screen goes blank, turn off the system. Then, with only the system and the TV connected, press the system's power button for more than 5 seconds to turn the system back on. The video output settings will automatically be reset to the standard definition (SD) resolution.

The picture is distorted.
Check that the cable is securely inserted. Try disconnecting the cable from the PS3 system or TV and then reconnecting it.

The Blu-ray Disc (BD) or DVD cannot be played, or the picture is distorted.

• When outputting DVD content or PlayStation 3 format software in standard definition (SD) resolution, only discs recorded in the PAL standard can be played.
• If the system is connected to a VCR, copy protection encoding on some BDs and DVDs may cause image distortion, or may cause the image to become lighter or darker. In such cases, connect the system to the TV directly. You may also see a similar occurrence if using a combination TV/VCR unit.
• If the BD or DVD does not match the region code set in the system, it cannot be played.
• Some DVDs are preset with parental control restrictions. Enter the password that was set in [Security Settings] to temporarily increase the parental control level.
• If you record video content on DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R or DVD+RW media using a device such as a DVD recorder, you must finalise the media before playing it on the PS3 system. Finalise the media using the recording device.
• Some BDs are preset with parental control restrictions. Enter the password that was set in [Security Settings] to change the parental control level.
• The BD may be disc-locked. Enter the password that was set when the disc was created.

Certain BDs cannot be played.
To play commercially available BD video software, in some cases the encryption key for AACS (Advanced Access Control System) may need to be renewed. The encryption key can be renewed when the system software is updated.

The size of the video image and the TV screen do not match.

• The settings of the connected TV and the video output settings of the system may not match. Check the following items: that the system's settings under Settings > [Display Settings] > [Video Output Settings] are correct and that the settings of the connected TV are correct. For details, refer to the instructions supplied with your TV.
• With some video content, the screen size cannot be changed.

The screen colour does not seem right.
If set to the default setting, the background colour changes as the time, day and month changes.

Audio

There is no sound.

• Check that the muting function on the TV or speakers is turned off. Also check that the volume is at the appropriate level.
• If an audio device is connected, check the settings of the device. For details, refer to the instructions supplied with the audio device.
• There may be a problem with the AV cable. Try using another cable that is compatible with the PS3 system.
• Some software do not support digital audio output.
• If the system's audio output settings do not match the cable or device in use, the system may not produce sound. Check that the system's settings under Settings > [Sound Settings] > [Audio Output Settings] are correct.
• Some content that support Dolby Digital, DTS, and other formats may not produce audio from all channels.

Music files do not play.
Playback methods may be limited for some music files that are distributed via the Internet. In such cases, it may not be possible to play the content on the PS3 system.

Network

A connection to the network cannot be established.

• If using a wired connection, check that the Ethernet cable is securely connected.
• Check that the network settings are correct. Refer to the instructions supplied by your Internet service provider or in the software manual to make the correct network settings.

The message [An error occurred during communication with the server. This is a DNS error. (80710102)] is displayed during the Internet connection test.

• If you connect the system to a modem that does not have a router feature (bridge modem), you may need to set PPPoE settings. Select Settings > [Network Settings] > [Internet Connection Settings] > [Custom] to start configuring the Internet connection. Continue adjusting settings until you see the IP address setting screen. Select [PPPoE], and then enter the user name and password provided by your Internet service provider.
• If you connect your system to a router, complete initial settings on the router first. After completing the settings on the router, try to adjust the network settings again by selecting Settings > [Network Settings] > [Internet Connection Settings] > [Easy] again. For details about the router settings, refer to the instructions supplied with your router.

The message [The attempt to obtain an IP address timed out.] is displayed during the Internet connection test.

• If you disconnected the Ethernet cable that is used to connect to a device such as a PC, and then reconnected it to the system, you must restart both your system and the modem. After restarting both devices, update your network settings by selecting Settings > [Network Settings] > [Internet Connection Settings] > [Easy]. For details about restarting your modem, refer to the instructions supplied with your modem.
• If you are using a wireless connection, the WEP key may be wrong. Check that you have the correct WEP key, and then enter it again.

The message [The PPPoE user name or password is not correct.] is displayed during the Internet connection test.
Enter the correct user name and password for PPPoE. If you do not know the user name and password, contact your Internet service provider.

The Web page does not display properly.
Certain content, such as content that requires specialized software, may not display properly on some Web pages.

Disc Media and USB Devices

The system does not recognise the disc.

• Remove the disc and reinsert it.
• If the disc has a label, insert it with the label side up.
• Check whether the disc is scratched or dirty. If dirty, wipe it gently with a soft cloth.

The disc cannot be removed.
Press the eject button for 10 seconds or longer to force the disc to eject. After removing and before reinserting a disc into the system, turn off the system, and then turn on the system again to resume use.

The system does not recognise the USB device, or the USB device does not operate properly.

• Check that the device is inserted correctly.
• The connected device may not be usable with the system.
• Try using a different USB connector on the PS3 system. The device may not be recognised depending on the combination of USB connectors in use.
• In some cases, the system may not recognise the device if an external USB hub is used and more than the allotted number of devices are connected. Try removing unused devices.

When connecting a USB device, the message [An unknown USB device has been connected.] is displayed.

• The connected device may not be compatible with the system or software application.
• The device may be compatible with specific software only. Use software that is compatible with the device.
• There may be too many USB hubs connected. Try removing a USB hub.

Wireless controller

The wireless controller does not function.

• When using the wireless controller, you must pair it with the system and assign a controller number. With the system turned on (power indicator is lit solid green), connect the system and the controller using the USB cable, and then press the PS button on the controller.
• The controller number may have been cleared. Press the PS button on the controller to reassign the number.
• With some software, you may need to use a specified controller number. Refer to the manual for the software in use.
• Check the charge level of the wireless controller battery. When the controller is used in wireless mode, it will not function if the battery does not have any charge left. Charge the battery by connecting the controller to the system with the USB cable.
• If you cannot use the controller even after checking the items above, try resetting the wireless controller by pushing the reset button on the controller rear with a thin-tipped object such as a pen.

1. Reset button

The wireless controller operates in an abnormal manner.
Try resetting the wireless controller by pushing the reset button on the controller rear with a thin-tipped object such as a pen.

The wireless controller does not vibrate.

• Select Settings > [Accessory Settings] > [Controller Vibration Function], and then try setting [Vibration Function] to [On].
• The software may not support the vibration function. Refer to the instruction manual for the software. For software downloaded from PlayStation Store, refer to the compatibility notice information included in the software's online description.

The response to button operations is slow.
The response speed may be slow on an LCD display or PC display. This is not a malfunction.

The battery does not charge or does not fully recharge.
The battery can only be charged when the system is turned on (power indicator is lit solid green).

The battery charge does not last long.
The battery may be wearing out. Battery duration will gradually decrease with repeated usage and age.

Even when the wireless controller is not being used, it loses its charge over time.
The controller's battery slowly loses its charge even when the controller is not in use. It is recommended that you charge the
controller frequently.

Other issues

The system makes noise.

• When using the system in a location where heat can build up, such as in an enclosed AV cabinet, on carpet or a cushion, or near a wall (within 10cm of the wall), the internal fan will rotate rapidly to reduce the system's temperature and this may generate increased noise. Move the system to a location with good ventilation.
• Depending on how a disc is being used, such as when copying an audio CD to the hard disk or starting software from a disc, disc noise may be louder than normal. Furthermore, some software may cause more disc noise than others.

You forgot your password for security settings.
If you restore the system using Settings > [System Settings] > [Restore Default Settings], your password will return to "0000".
However, note that all settings other than the password will also be reset. Once these settings are reset, they cannot be recovered.

The system is warm.
When the system is being used or is turned on, it may become warm. This is not a malfunction.

The screen freezes during gameplay.

• Check whether the disc is scratched or dirty. If dirty, wipe it gently with a soft cloth.
• If you have game data for PlayStation 3 format software installed, try deleting the game data and reinstalling the software. Select Game > [Game Data Utility], press the Triangle button, and then delete the game data from the options menu. Next, reinstall the PlayStation 3 format software. Be careful not to delete the saved data for the game.

The screen is frozen. The system does not operate.
Disconnect all accessories such as USB devices from the system, and then restart the system. Pressing the power button for 15 seconds or longer will force the system to turn off (enter standby mode). After the system turns off, turn it on again.

The power indicator is flashing red and green alternately.
The interior of the system has become hot. Check whether the system is being used in a hot location or whether the vents are blocked. Continuing to use the system in the above condition will cause it to stop functioning. Turn the system off and leave it unused until it cools down. After the system cools down, turn it on again.

The system does not recognise content.
The content may be of a format that is not supported by the system. Content of types not supported by the system will not be recognised. For information on supported formats, refer to the online user's guide at eu.playstation.com/ps3/support/manuals.

Find out which types of data cannot be transferred using the data transfer utility.

The following types of data are not transferrable to another PlayStation 3 system using the data transfer utility:

• Video content that has been downloaded as a rental from Video Store of PlayStation Store (file type: MNV). Once your new PS3 system is set up, you can download this content again by going to the Download List on your PS3 provided that you have not exceeded the time limit for the rental.
• Any SingStar tracks, or song packs, that have been saved on the PS3 system's hard disk drive. In order to re-download your SingStar content to another system, please contact our customer service department. Full details can be found atuk.playstation.com/contact.
• Copyright-protected video files (file types: MGV and ETS).
• Video files that are compatible with the DivX® VOD (Video On Demand) service.

For the following data types, you must perform some additional steps after completing the data transfer to be able to use the data:

Application data for Life with PlayStation®

Download and install the Life with PlayStation application on the destination PS3 system. You can continue to accumulate contribution points for the PlayStation Network ranking system of the Folding@home™ channel.

GripShift™

When you start the game for the first time after the data transfer operation, an error message will be displayed and you will not be able to play the game. To play the game, visit Download List on PlayStation Store to download and install the game again at no extra cost provided you have not exceeded the number of systems that can be linked to your PlayStation Network account.

Saved data for Ghostbusters™ and Ghostbusters™: The Video Game

The saved game will not be recognized when you start the game for the first time after the data transfer operation. To use the saved data, quit the game, and then start the game again.

Find out how to delete data on the PS3 system's hard disk drive.

You can delete all data on the system's hard disk and restore from the current setting under Settings to the default settings by selecting Settings > [System Settings] > [Restore PS3™ System].

You can shorten the time required to perform this operation by selecting [Quick Format] from the list of hard disk format options. It is recommended that you select [Full Format] when formatting a hard disk that contains important or sensitive data.

After you complete the operation and restart the system, the initial setup screen will be displayed. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform initial setup of the system software.

Find out important information about restoring your PS3 settings data.

You can restore from the current settings under Settings to the default settings by selecting Settings > [System Settings] > [Restore Default Settings].

After you complete the operation and restart the system, the initial setup screen will be displayed. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform initial setup of the system software.

Note:

• If you restore the default settings or restore the PS3™ system, changes to the settings cannot be undone. Data loss or corruption is the responsibility of the user.
• Do not turn off the PS3 system during this operation. If the operation is cancelled before completion, the system software may become damaged, and the system may require servicing or exchange.
• During this operation, the power button on the system and the PS button on the wireless controller are not active.
• You cannot use this feature to go back to an earlier version of the system software.

Find out how to transfer data to another PS3 system.

You can transfer data that is saved on the hard disk of one PS3  system (the source system) to the hard disk of another PS3 system (the destination system) by selecting Settings > [System Settings] > [Data Transfer Utility].

Note: When you perform this operation, all of the data that is stored on the PS3 system that will receive the data (the destination system) will be deleted.

For details on how to use the utility and its limitations, refer to the online user's guide ateu.playstation.com/ps3/support/manuals.

You can transfer (copy or move) data that is saved on one PS3 system's hard disk to another PS3 system's hard disk using an Ethernet cable.

Before you start, please note:

• When you perform this operation, all data that is stored on the PS3 system that will receive the data (the "destination system") will be deleted.
• Deleted data cannot be restored, so be careful not to delete important data accidentally. Data loss or corruption is the responsibility of the user.
• Some types of data may not be transferrable.

Preparing the systems to transfer data

Before starting the data transfer operation, you must perform the following steps.

1. Update the system software of both PS3 systems to version 3.15 or above.
2. Prepare the PS3 system that will send the data (the "source system").

If multiple users exist on the source PS3 system, you must perform the following operations for all of the users before starting the data transfer operation.

• Create a PlayStation Network account if a user does not have an account.

On the XMB (XrossMediaBar) select PlayStation®Network > [Sign Up for PlayStation®Network].

• Deactivate the PS3 system if the data to be transferred contains content that was purchased from PlayStation Store.

Select PlayStation®Network > [Account Management] > [System Activation].

• Back up, or "sync", trophy information on the PS3 system with the PlayStation Network server if you want to transfer Trophies.

Sign in to PlayStation Network, and then select Game > [Trophy Collection].

• Sign in to PlayStation Home before transferring the data if you have obtained reward items for use in PlayStation Home on the source system.
• Back up your profile information and stages you created in LittleBigPlanet to your saved game. You can then use the data that was backed up when playing LittleBigPlanet on the destination PS3 system.
  

Please note that the following restrictions apply if you perform the data transfer operation without creating a PlayStation Network account:

• You may not be able to use the saved data on the destination PS3 system.
• You may no longer be able to earn Trophies using the saved data that you transferred.
• Trophy information is not transferred.

Transferring data

Turn off both PS3 systems, and then perform the following steps. If the transferred data is saved game data that is copy-prohibited or data that is copyright-protected, it will be moved to the destination PS3 system and deleted from the source PS3 system.

1. Using an Ethernet cable, make a direct connection between the two PS3 systems.
You can use either an Ethernet straight-through cable or an Ethernet crossover cable.
2. Connect the PS3 systems to different video input connectors on the TV. 
For example, use the HDMI input connector and the video input connector on the TV.
3. Turn on the TV, and then turn on the PS3 systems.
Use the TV remote control to switch the video input to display the screen of the source PS3 system.
4. On the source PS3 system, select Settings > [System Settings] > [Data Transfer Utility].
5. Select [1. Transfer data from this system to the other PS3™ system.].

If you did not complete the preparation steps described earlier, follow the on-screen instructions to complete these steps.
6. When the PS3 system is on standby to begin the data transfer, use the TV remote control to switch the video input to display the screen of the destination PS3 system. 
7. On the destination PS3 system, select Settings > [System Settings] > [Data Transfer Utility].
8. Select [2. Transfer from the other PS3™ system to this system.]

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the operation.

Hints

• After the data transfer operation has been completed, you can turn off the source PS3 system. Set the TV to display the screen of the source PS3 system, and then select Users > [Turn Off System].
• If content that was downloaded from PlayStation Store was transferred as part of this operation, you must activate the destination PS3 system before you can use the data. Log in to the PS3 system as the user who owns the content, and then select   PlayStation®Network > [Account Management] > [System Activation] to activate the system.

Limitations of the data transfer utility (as of 10 December 10 2009)

Some types of data cannot be transferred using the data transfer utility, and some types of data can be transferred but not played on the destination PS3 system.

For the latest information, visit the support site for the data transfer utility. The following types of data are not transferrable:

• Video content that has been downloaded as a rental from PlayStation Store (file type: MNV).
• Tracks (including SongPacks) for SingStar software that have been saved on the PS3 system's hard disk.
• Game data from LittleBigPlanet.
• Copyright-protected video files (file type: MGV).
• Video files that are compatible with the DivX® VOD (Video On Demand) service.
• The following PlayStation 2 format software titles, if they are installed on the PS3 system's hard disk: [FINAL FANTASY XI] and [Expansion Discs]; [SOCOM II: U.S. NAVY SEALs] and [Related discs included with OPM* Issue 87, OPM* Issue 88, OPM* Issue 89, OPM* Issue 90].

* Official PlayStation Magazine

For the following data types, you must perform some additional steps after completing the data transfer to be able to use the data:

• Application data for Life with PlayStation®

Download and install the Life with PlayStation® application on the destination PS3 system. You can continue using your contribution points for the PlayStation Network ranking system of the Folding@home™ channel.

• GripShift

When you start the game for the first time after the data transfer operation, an error message will be displayed and you will not be able to play the game. To play the game, download and install the game again.

• Saved data for Ghostbusters  and Ghostbusters: The Video Game

The saved game will not be recognised when you start the game for the first time after the data transfer operation. To use the saved data, quit the game, and then start the game again.

Find out how you can transfer your content to another PS3.

Backed up data from one PS3 system can be restored to another PS3 system under Settings > [System Settings] > [Backup Utility].

The types of data that can be restored on another system are as follows:

• Saved data from PlayStation 3 format software *
• Image files under Photo
• Music files under Music **
• Video files under Video **
• Bookmarks added under [Internet Browser]
• Terms that were added using [Add/Edit Term] under Settings > [System Settings] or predictive terms that have been "learned" by the on-screen keyboard

* Copy-protected saved data cannot be restored. Also, saved data that has been restored may not be usable in some games.
** Does not include copyright-protected data.

Find out how to restore backed up data after replacing your PS3 system's hard disk.

You can restore data that you backed up using either of the following methods.

Restoring data in a single operation

You can restore data that you backed up in a single operation by selecting Settings > [System Settings] > [Backup Utility]. Connect the USB mass storage device that contains the backup data, and then follow the on-screen instructions to perform this operation.

Note:

• In some cases, you may not be able to use the backup utility feature to restore data correctly.
• For details on the backup utility feature, refer to the online user's guide ateu.playstation.com/ps3/support/manuals.

Restoring selected data

You can manually restore files using the options menu for the file. Connect the USB mass storage device that contains the file, select the file that you want to restore, and then press the Triangle button. Select [Copy] or [Move] from the options menu.

Note:

• Some data cannot be copied, moved or backed up.

Find out how to reinstall the system software on your PS3 after replacing the hard disk.

If the system software does not start when the system is turned on (such as when the hard disk has been replaced), you will need to download and reinstall the system software.

Downloading system software update data

Using a PC with Internet access, download the system software update data from eu.playstation.com/ps3. Follow the instructions available on the website to copy the update data from the PC to storage media.

Note:

• Use the latest version of the update data available on the website. You cannot reinstall the system software using a version that is earlier than the system software version that had previously been used. If the appropriate update data for your system is not available at the website, contact your local Customer Service helpline.
• If you have a game disc or other disc that contains update data, you may be able to use that disc to reinstall the system software. If you insert the disc in the PS3 system and follow the on-screen instructions, you can verify whether the update data can be used.
• If you do not have Internet access from a PC, contact your local Customer Service helpline.

Installing the system software

Turn on the PS3 system, and then insert the storage media containing the update data. Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the system software.

Note:

• Do not turn off the system or remove the storage media during the installation. If the installation is cancelled before completion, the system software may become damaged, and the system may require servicing or exchange.
• During the installation, the power button on the system and the PS button on the wireless controller are not active.