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Using your PS3

PS3™

PS3 system software updates

Ensuring your have the latest system software installed is essential to ensuring your get the most from your PlayStation 3.

This is the operating system software for your PlayStation 3. It controls everything, including what types of content and which features you can access on your PS3.

As well as keeping your PS3 in top condition with the latest security updates, Parental Controls and display options, updates often increase what your PS3 is capable of. New settings, new features and new functionality can be included in an update; as the system software evolves, only a PS3 with the latest update installed will be able to make full use of these enhancements.

Each update is numbered so you can quickly see what the latest version is - the higher the number, the more recent the update. For example, 1.60 is more up to date than 1.50.

To find out which version of the system software you currently have installed on your PlayStation 3, navigate through the Home Menu of your PS3 to the Settings category. From here select [System Settings], followed by [System Information], and you'll see the PS3 system software version displayed here.

To find out what the latest available version is, you can look for, and download, the software at eu.playstation.com, from the PlayStation 3 Help & Support section of the site.

You can update the system software by any of the following methods:

System Update - 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.

PC Update - Visit eu.playstation.com for the very latest version of the update data. Follow the on-screen instructions to download to your PC.

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.

Using your PS3

Setting the date and time automatically

Find out how to update the date and time on your PS3 every time you connect to PlayStation Network.


Audio output on PS3

Optimise your listening experience by connecting audio devices that support digital audio playback.


PS3 error codes

Find out how you can get help with error codes on your PlayStation 3 system.


Install your PS3

Get connected and dive into a world of High Definition entertainment.


Video output on PS3

Optimise your viewing experience by setting the best resolution for your TV.


Initial set-up

Find out how to perform initial set-up after turning on your PS3 system.


Part names

Find your way around your PS3 system and your Wireless Controller.


Using Other OS / Default System

If you are using another operating system, follow this guide before performing system software update version 3.21 or later.


Use the information panel

The information panel is displayed on the upper right of the screen.


Copying text

You can copy text using the on-screen keyboard.


Use the XMB™(XrossMediaBar)

Featuring Photo, Music, Video, Game and Network options, every PS3 journey starts with the ever-evolving XrossMediaBar.

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