Sony Playstation 3

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The Sony Play Station 3 (PS3) 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.

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

model information in greater detail is available on the PS3 SKU Models Mirror.

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.

How do I charge the controller with an external charger?

The wireless controller for the Play Station 3 SIXAXIS / Sony DUALSHOCK 3 requires connection via mini-USB to the game console to charge, and the game console has to remain powered on. Since the PS3 unit can get warm when left running extended some users prefer to charge the control using a small mini USB charging adapter.

A basic type A to 5-pin Type Mini-B 6ft USB Cable is used for connecting a Computer or USB hub to any other portable device that uses a 5 pin MiniB connector like the PS3 controller. However, many mini USB chargers like the old phone chargers and generic AC-to-USB adapters won't work, possibly because the controller requires device drivers on the host or some kind of "handshake" in order to charge.

The PS3 controllers were designed before USB charging was standardized (DCP), so they need to do some simple negotiation with the host they're connected to before they'll charge. The PS3 controller can be charged from a USB port on a computer running Microsoft Windows version XP? 7 or higher because the controller will be detected as a device and windows has a device driver to perform handshake and enable charging.

If you wish to use a wall adapter charger for the Play Station 3 SIXAXIS / Sony DUALSHOCK 3 you will have to use a model with the circuitry required to negotiate the handshake. You need a charger built specifically for the PS3 controllers.

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

To jailbreak the PS3 is a process by which a system bug is exploited allowing a level of access to the subsystem which makes it possible to replace the authorized factory firmware with a customized firmware created by the hacker community. Advantages to running a custom firmware amount to increased capability, backup ability, and control over the system beyond what Sony would otherwise allow. One particular benefit is the ability to install an entire game from the Bluray so that disc insertion is no longer required to play a game. This way those precious and expensive game discs can be stored away safely, preventing scratches and damage, while all your games are accessible directly from the system drive or an attached USB storage device.

It is very easy to jailbreak your PlayStation 3 if you have not used the system update to advance 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. Also have ready a USB Flash Drive and PC, those you may buy or barrow.

There are different Custom Firmware (CFW) available. Rogero is a very popular CFW and is completely free. Rebug is also very popular. Last we knew, Kmeaw firmware is no longer being developed. Many feel that a CFW is a better option as opposed to an Optical Drive Emulator. Our guide focuses on applying the Rogero CFW.

If you have a PlayStation 3 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. To Update Rogero PS3 Custom Firmware on a PS3 with factory firmware 3.55 or older, and for a PS3 that is already running Rogero custom firmware, the process is straightforward and noninvasive.

  • 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. The process also works on most PS3 systems with one of the various custom firmwares already installed.

You're good to go! You have now unlocked the full potential of your Play Station 3.

There are other guides and sources of information available online. The following are two very good guides. You may prefer to follow them rather than our guide. Alternative Guides:

Other Homebrew / Jailbreak related resources:

Terminology

Acronyms and terms used in the PlayStation world.

  • CellOS - The Playstation Operating System (OS)
  • XMB - XrossMediaBar, the Playstation desktop menu system (XrossMediaBar)
  • OFW - Official Firmware, updates to the CellOS operating system issued by Sony
  • CFW - Custom Firmware, like Rogero, what you install when you jailbreak your Playstation
  • PUP - Playstation Update Package, contain the files used to update a PSP or PS3 system (PlayStation Update Package)
  • CEX - A retail PS3 console
  • DEX - A developers PS3 console. It is possible to convert a CEX console to DEX by modification of the flash memory contents. Installing CFW on a CEX doesn't make it a DEX.
  • ODE - Optical Drive Emulator, such as Cobra ODE. ODE is an alternative to CFW.

 

 

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