Difference between revisions of "Sony Playstation 3"
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Revision as of 14:20, 20 August 2014
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The Sony Play Station 3 is the most powerful game console at the end of 2012, with a more powerful processor and better graphics than the XBox 360 and far superior to the light duty Nintendo Wii. With the Play Station 3 you can play High Definition and stereoscopic 3D games. With the Sony gaming console’s support for Blu-ray, you can watch movies with a lifelike quality. Free online gaming is possible with this Sony gaming system, as also access to the Sony PlayStation Network at no charge. |
- The PlayStation 3 operating system is called CellOS, which is believed to be a branch from the FreeBSD.
Contents
Models
All models include: Blu-ray/DVD/CD drive, HDMI, Bluetooth 2.0, and wired Gigabit Ethernet. Linux support removed in firmware version 3.21. The original controller was the Sixaxis which was then replaced later by the DualShock 3.
4 USB Port Large Models
All of these were sold with the old style Sixaxis controller
- 20 GB - full ps2 comp, linux suppt
- 60 GB - full ps2 comp, linux suppt, memory card readers
- 60 GB - limited ps2 comp, linux suppt, wifi
- 80 GB - limited ps2 comp, linux suppt, wifi
2 USB Port Large Models
80GB and 160GB models include newer DualShock 3 controller
- 40 GB - linux suppt, wifi
- 80 GB - linux suppt, wifi
- 160 GB - linux suppt, wifi
2 USB Port Slim Models
Linux support was dropped for all slim models
- 120 GB - wifi
- 250 GB - wifi
- 160 GB - wifi
- 320 GB - wifi
2 USB Port Super Slim Models
The only units in production as of Jan 2013
- 250 GB - wifi
- 500 GB - wifi
FAQ
How does one check disk space usage on their PlayStation 3?
In the XMB (the visual menu interface) goto Settings, System Settings, and choose System Information. If you have the 80GB PS3 model you should note that it an 80GB drive formats to roughly 76GB. Then there will be initial usage on a new system consuming space, and the PS3 reserves space for admin purposes. You might actually have about 68GB free on a new PS3 system labeled 80GB.
Sometimes a movie I downloaded only plays half way though on my PS3
The movie file was encoded off of a media containing Cinavia copy protection.
Can I create a backup of my PS3 data including saved game data?
The PS3 has a built-in software backup utility that can copy the PS3's hard-drive contents to an external storage device, such as a USB thumb drive or a memory stick. The removable storage device must use the FAT32 file system in order for the PS3 to recognize it. Copy-protected content will not be transferable (won't be backed up.)
More Info: PS3 Backup Utility - Official PlayStation Support.
PlayStation 3 Encryption DRM
PlayStation Security
The internal hard drive is encrypted. If you remove it from the PlayStation 3 and connect it to a PC, you will not be able to read or access the contents. Each PlayStation 3 console has a unique private key. This key is used with a proprietary, complex algorithm to apply encryption to the hard drive contents. The drive format and all data are locked down with Sony’s encryption technology. If you remove the hard drive from one PS3 and install it in another, it still will be inaccessible. The contents of the drive are only valid for the PlayStation used to format the drive.
The PlayStation 3 has an operating system called CellOS, which is a highly modified fork of FreeBSD (a UNIX variant like Linux.) The first PS3 units had the operating system installed on built in flash memory rather than on the hard drive. Upgrading the hard drive was made simple because it did not impact the operating system. Later, presumably staring with the slim models, Sony moved the firmware data to the hard drive and stopped installing the internal flash memory to cheapen the unit. Although this complicates the process of upgrading the internal hard drive, it is still fairly straightforward and is an option supported by Sony.
Although lacking the internal flash memory with embedded CellOS like the original units, later PlayStation 3 models still had limited internal flash memory for a minimal interface, which allows the installation of PS3 firmware to the hard drive. The tiny flash memory also has the recovery mode functionality, which is text based. Furthermore, as another layer of security to protect their technology, Sony has a flash chip that stores the last version of the operating system that was on the system, so that users can’t downgrade the CellOS. If you run the system update, the latest version is stored in the internal memory. It cannot be changed without opening the unit and installing a flash memory programmer.
Users have learned how to gain privileged access to the operating system of the Play Station 3. The first hacks required a USB device that was offered for a price. Later a software based jailbreak was discovered. A battle between Sony and the hackers ensued, with each jailbreak being blocked by Sony releasing an update to the PS3 operating system. Without a reasonably current version of the system, some new titles will not load. Without the most recent update, users cannot access the PlayStation Network. If Sony discovers a modified system, they will block that system from access to the PlayStation Network. Hackers spoof the version number to avoid detection, but using a modified PS3 has risk, both in being banned from the PlayStation Network, and negative interaction with some game titles.
As of late 2012, early 2013 a group claims to have fully cracked the encryption key used on the PlayStation 3. Such an accomplishment will eventually lead to a decryption tool allowing access to PS3 drive data directly from a PC, as well as the ability to port any homebrew or user created content to any PS3 without the need to deal with security keys and encryption barricades. The sky is the limit.
Service and Support
Dissemble
Youtube video on disassembly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9dlHhP2M78
Upgrade Hard Drive
The PS3 is compatible with just about any 2.5-inch SATA notebook hard disk. Both 5400-RPM and 7200-RPM drives should work fine.
Turn off and unplug the system. Remove the plastic HD side-panel, and remove the blue screw. Open the metal latch, move the drive tray to the right, and slide out the drive. Remove drive mount screws, swap out the hard drives (observe jumper positions.) Turn on the console and let the system format the new drive. Then load up the PS3 backup utility to restore data from your external storage device back onto the PS3 hard drive.
Jailbreak / Homebrew
It is very easy to jailbreak your PlayStation if you have not used the system update to update your PlayStation to a version higher than OFW 3.55. You do not need to buy any special devices to jailbreak your PlayStation, or pay for any special software. Everything you need is free to download. You will need a USB Flash Drive and a PC.
For a PS3 with factory firmware 3.55 or older, and for a PS3 that is already running Rogero custom firmware, the guide Update Rogero PS3 Custom Firmware has step by step instructions for flashing the CFW on your PS3.
If you have a PlayStation with a firmware version newer/higher than 3.55 it is still possible to jailbreak it, but it is a lot more involved and does require the purchase of hardware. The process for jailbreaking in this scenario is _not_ covered here.
- Official Operating System 3.55 is the last release that could be cracked "jailbreak" to install homebrew.
- Either Rebug or Rogero are the two most recommended firmwares for jailbreaking the PS3
- MultiMan is the most popular Game Manager to use to do things such as create legal backups of games you own.
OFW's and CFW's - Official Firmware or Custom Firmware
If your firmware version is the official Sony 3.55 firmware (an outdated firmware) or earlier, the upgrade process is relatively simple and absolutely free. Do the following:
You're good to go!
Other Homebrew / Jailbreak related resources:
- First read Update Rogero PS3 Custom Firmware.
- The Playstation 3 Homebrew thread - So cutting edge my eyes are bleeding and this link.
- This PS3 Jailbreak community with the original section PS3 Jailbreak Method: How to jailbreak your ps3 with JUST a USB
Termonology
Acronyms and terms used in the PlayStation mod world
