So what is the YLOD?

Overheating, leading to a hardware issue, is about as general a statement as possible. It might be unfair to categorize it this way, but since the causes might come from a number of factors, it’s the simplest way to understand the problem. You’ll be able to identify the issue immediately from the flashing yellow lamp on the front of your PS3 unit. If you see this light, then you know that you’ve been struck by the YLOD.

How is the problem caused?

There are a couple of ways in which this problem can occur:

Expansion due to heat – If the unit is used for an extremely long time without rest, then the components may actually lose connection with each other because they expand from the heat. Since the components are tightly packed together with minimal room for movement, any expansion that is sizeable will push things out of alignment; much like a hamburger that’s squeezed too tight, forcing the mayo, the tomato and probably even the patty out of the burger!

Melted solder – Another effect of excess heat can be the fact that it’s causing the solder on the connections to melt. If this is indeed the case, then your problem might be a little more serious.

Assuming that your YLOD problem is fixable, let’s see how we can go about the solution. If we follow these steps in sequence, we’ll be able to identify what the actual problem might be, and for what reason the machine is overheating.

First, let the machine rest. Like all electronic equipment, it heats up quickly. While most equipment is designed to withstand a certain amount of extended use, a 5-day weekend with a gaming marathon might be a little out of its capability range! When you notice the YLOD for the first time, switch off the unit immediately and let it sit in an exposed area for about 30 minutes. The problem usually goes away by that time.

Second, we need to look at the location, as well as the air surrounding the unit. If the room is warm and doesn’t get enough circulation, you might have found the root cause of your YLOD problem right there. Try to leave the windows open, or at least ensure that there’s some air circulation around the unit to help keep it cool.

Third, check the cable connections – the ones outside the PS3 connecting it to the power mains. If there’s intermittent disconnecting because of a loose cable, then that may be the source of the problem.

The HDD is your last stop. If the heat expansion has affected your hard drive, then you’ll know when you remove and re-instert it.

Using this approach, there’s a good chance that your problem is fixed for good. Now that you know how to fix the YLOD issue for the PlayStation 3, you’ll realize that not only is there a solution, but that’s it’s quite simple to execute as well.

The Sixaxis Wireless Bluetooth Controller

PS3 has introduced a version called the Sixaxis, which works via bluetooth and is fairly simple to install and use with most television sets or computer monitors. Since the USB cable from the controller fits right into your gaming console, charging is always on and ensures that you never have to worry about power.

The Bluetooth functionality (2.0 Enhanced Data Rate) makes it possible for the unit to read your movements and make the game character do the same thing. The 10-bit rate also offers enhanced capabilities as compared to most other 8-bit rate controllers on the market.

Even the shapes and stroke depths of the L2/R2 have undergone a change from previous versions, and the tilt angle is now more suitable for manipulative accuracy.

DualShock 3 Wireless Controller

You can also opt for the newer alternative, the DualShock 3 wireless controller. Not unlike the Sixaxis, the DualShock also allows multiplayer functionality for up to seven players at the same time. However, you’ll see vast improvements over the Sixaxis controller.

One of the best changes seen to the DualShock 3 over the Sixaxis is the minor modification of its buttons; they’ve made them a lot more sensitive to pressure, and you can realistically experience every thump, dash, bump and crash that your character goes through.

The Wireless Keypad

Since the PlayStation 3 isn’t just a gaming console, but a multimedia platform, a game controller might not be the only thing you need. This wireless keypad allows you instant Bluetooth access to all your console’s functionalities via the game controllers. With this, you can send emails and text messages, as well as use it as a mouse.

All these controllers have their own great points. Depending on what you use your PS3 for, you might even find yourself ordering all three of them!

Killzone 3 is arguably one of the best PS3 games available this season. Those familiar with the earlier versions will now be happy to know that Play Station Move has been integrated into the game. For first timers, Killzone is a series of first-person shooting games that are (warning!) highly addictive! The additional features on this newest version are bound to blow your enemies’ brains and your own mind to boot! The reality of the experience has to be felt to be appreciated. Now you can put together your own special ops team to battle the foreign enemy.

Weapons on Killzone 3 have also undergone drastic improvement. More flexible now, they allow for dual primary weapon choices and a massive range of firepower to pick from during gameplay. Controls are designed to be intuitive and, when you face the enemy at close quarters, the HD visuals are nothing short of stunning.

The storyline also seems to have gone through a vetting process, and now incorporates several unique and exciting capabilities. Different types of enemies comprising a wide range of characters, combined with a vast array of fighting territories make it the first-person shooter game of choice for many.

Another first-person shooter game that’s piqued the interest of several (million) users across the world and on several gaming platforms is Bulletstorm from Electronic Arts. The game is made more fun by killing your enemies in the most creative and crazy ways possible. The weapons are as astonishingly effective as they are deadly, and there are no restrictions on their usage; use them in whatever way you want to bring maximum destruction on the heads of your enemies.

Bulletstorm also allows you to play with up to three other players, so brush up on your killing skills and make a violent night of it with your best buds.

If you’re looking to invest in some popular games this season, then either of these might make a great choice. Whether its a gift for someone or for your own use, both these games will keep you entertained for hours, days and months to come.

A final word of caution though. Because of the graphic nature of the game’s visuals, you’ll have to be 18 or over to actually buy and play the game. In any case, be sure that no kids are around when you fight either of these blood-filled virtual wars.

If you’re an existing user of gaming consoles and you’re still using another brand or model, the question is whether to invest in the PS3 Slim, and why. Does it justify the added expense? Is it really worth the cost? Let’s try to answer some of these questions.

The pricing is quite attractive and could be the clinching factor in your quest to decide whether to buy the PS3 Slim or not. At a much-reduced $299 when compared to its predecessor, the price is definitely within the “acceptable” band that other gaming consoles fall under. In fact, equivalent versions of other brands may even be a little more expensive.

As for the physical advantages of the PS3 Slim, when you compare it to the standard version, the Slim is a third thinner, lighter and more power-efficient. The classic look given by the piano black finish adds to its elegance. Even the branding on the front panel is slimmer – PS3 versus the standard All Caps PLAYSTATION 3.

In terms of memory, the 120 GB should be more than sufficient for most people, and it is placed in the front for easy accessibility. The upgrade capability makes it really attractive for those hardcore gamers that want more and more space on their hard drives. The fact that the warranty holds good even if you upgrade your memory makes it hard to resist the buy.

Other great features include the WiFi connectivity that lets you get on the internet and download stuff directly to the PS3 Slim, the trademark Bravia integration as well as the improved disc system. The Bravia integration is particularly attractive to owners of Sony Bravia TVs, which feature lets the console integrate seamlessly with your television.

Though the positive aspects seem overwhelming, sometimes it’s the little things that get you down. For example, there’s no infrared port to use with a universal remote. Also, there’s no retro compatibility, which means gamers who are moving from the PS2 to the PS3 or Slim version can’t use their existing games on the new console – major damper for gaming enthusiasts who have learned to love some of the old PS2 gems. Finally, to the seasoned hardware techies, the most disappointing feature is probably the fact that OS installation isn’t allowed on the new model.

Considering all the above factors, it should be quite a simple choice – get it or forget it. Depending on what factor you consider the most important for your specific need – pricing, memory, upgradability, Bravia integration – you’ll be able to come to the right decision.

Obviosly, there’s no “prescribed” way to “crack” the firmware on the Play Station 3. This is just a normal security measure to prevent piracy or allow users to install backed-up or pirated versions of paid games. It’s about fairplay: with millions of dollars being denied games developing companies and individual developers because of hacking and pirated versions, it’s only natural that they put in some kind of measure to prevent this from happening.

Another valuable point to note is that the download feature on the Sony PS3 is pretty decent. The downloads are fairly fast, and you get some very reasonable prices too; of course, you’ll have to do without the CD or the box, but it’s the game you’re after, anyway. So downloading through official channels is definitely a recommended course of action.

Sony has also found a solution to people asking for copies of games they insist they’ve already paid for, or those who ask for back-up copies for the ones they say they lost, or even people who genuinely require another copy of a corrupted CD they bought. What the company has done is to make multiple copies available at the point of purchase online. So when you download a PS3 game, you’re actually paying for a, say, five-time download package. So if you purchase Devil May Cry 4, you’ll have a download limit of five, meaning you can download the game that many times. This is a great way to prevent misuse of their download service by unscrupulous customers, and it allows genuine customers to solve their problems with lost data or simply not having enough memory on their hard drives for new games.

Well, then how about all those torrent sites that carry PS3 games for free? Why do people put them there if you can’t download them. The fact of the matter is, you can download them, but getting them to work on your PS3 is the hard part. PS3 games have been available on the pirate market for a long time now, but unless you find something that will crack the firmware and allow copied or pirated games to play and still keep system integrity, then it’s not really worth the trouble.

So then, isn’t the direct download option through official channels the smart and legal thing to do? You just need to weight all the factors I’ve mentioned above and see that its the only logical, reasonable thing to do.

Starting with the graphics, one can truly say that they have used superior technology in that area. The Xbox 360 does come close, but the majority of users who have tried both say that the PS3 graphics win hands down. Though this is still a subjective analysis, graphics itself is a pretty subjective and experience-oriented topic.

The multiple formats that the disc drive can read is another terrific feature. No more Blu-Ray player required – the PS3 has it all. With the additional information that a Blu-Ray disc can hold, over a regular DVD, the games can come with heavy add-on features that are memory-intensive.

Not only do great graphics go with high definition gaming and movie formats, but with the WiFi connectivity thrown in, the whole world is your oyster. You can surf the internet, and also play online using the PS3.

Online game functionality is like the social networking aspect of the gaming console. Not only does it allow you to play with other online users, but you can swap trophy stories, compare gaming experiences and even download demos and full games directly to your PS3. Online gaming is also available on the Xbox but at a price; the PS3 variation is free!

Another great feature is the gaming controller’s motion sensitivity feature, even though veteran gaming company’s Nintendo’s Wii provides a much better experience. Some points knocked off from PS3′s scoreboard on that account.

Another feature is the variable memory capacities that the PS3 is available in; with 20 GB and upwards available as default, the PS3 allows users to add their own hard disk drives. The unit comfortably accommodates any 2.5mm SATA HDD up to about 200 GB – and that’s a lot of memory for a gaming console.

There are a few disadvantages in the PS3, however, notwithstanding the motion-sensitive game controller’s failure. Pricing is probably its greatest drawback. While the Xbox starts at $149 and the Wii can be bought for $249, the PS3 will set you back at least $399. Considering the features it provides, its quite reasonable, but in comparison to its peer products, it’s still a little pricey.

Another drawback is the programming; for a new user, prorgamming the console the first time round is a bit of a pain and, unless you know your way around or you’re really good at reading the instruction manual and understanding it, it can be quite a chore.

A lot of people also note the absence of the rumble feature on the PS3controller, but the Dualshock 3 controller is an excellent investment if you feel the same.

On the whole, the PS3 comes out with flying colors despite its obvious flaws. Regardless of its drawbacks, the gaming console is still top in its category and well worth the price.

It would be fair to say that as a gaming console, the PS3 does practically everything, and more. Ever since it was launched, the PS3 has been revolutionizing industry standards time and again. With a PS3 in your arsenal, there’s no more need to buy multi-media systems by piecemeal. From great quality movie experiences to memorable gaming days, the PS3 can deliver it all in style.

Sony has been at the forefront of the gaming industry ever since the launch of its Play Station series; even the PS2 is still going strong, with games still being developed for it. With the PS3, that range of gaming options goes through the roof, with thousands of game discs available in its vast library.

A Peek Inside The PS3

Under the hood, the first thing you see is very impressive. Loaded with IBM’s “Cell” processor and the NIVIDIA graphics processor, over two trillion calculations can be made by this duo every second. No wonder it’s perfect for HDMI support, and definitely no wonder that it more than adequately supports humongous blockbuster games like La Noire, God of War and others.

But the PS3 is more than just fancy footwork. What makes it even more awesome is the wireless Dualshock 3 gaming controller. The Dualshock 3 literally puts control back in your hands. The six-axis motion sensor system coupled with pressure sensitivity system on the buttons makes gaming even more fun and realistic. Some games actually take on a different perspective with sensitive controls like these. The Bluetooth technology-based Dualshock 3 not only makes gaming more fun, but its ‘rumble’ feature provides all the vibes and quakes you need to make each scene more real.

The PSN

Far from being like the standalone models of gaming consoles of yore, the PS3 is fully connected to the world. With the Play Station Network (PSN), an extensive social network of gamers opens up for the PS3 user. Play against others, compare top scores and get the lowdown on all your favorite games from other PS3 owners like yourself. You can even download directly on to your module if there’s something there that you really want. The PSN is kind of like an online meeting place and market rolled into one.

Other Media

Not just a gaming console, the PS3 opens doors to several other forms of media too. You can watch Blu-Ray movies on your system, as well as other HD formats and the regular DVD and CD or CD-ROM. Basically, you don’t need a standalone Blu-Ray player: your PS3 serves that purpose admirably. The Sony Play Station 3 isn’t just about gaming. Of course, if you’re a serious gamer you’ll have some seriously awesome moments on the PS3, but even if you rarely play games, the console does so many things that it will keep you occupied in the many ways that we’ve seen.

As far as PS 3 HDDs go, the problem might be either one of hardware (physical damage) or software (corruption and other errors). However, most people don’t know that they can quite easily recover the data that is potentially lost by these eventualities.

There are several professional software downloads that can analyse and retrieve your data according to sector, making level one recovery faily simple; it just takes and saves the data from the non-corrupted or non-damaged sectors and leaves out the bad ones. Gamers typically find that if they don’t bother backing up their data periodically, all their hard effort spent on getting to the top levels of their favorite games goes to waste; weeks of playtime wiped out in a matter of minutes!

In order to prevent this from happening to you, be sure to regularly back up your valuable gaming and other data to a parallel system. You can back it up to another PS3 using your television as an interface. Follow these simple steps when you want to save your data:

1. Use an ethernet cable to connect your primary PS3 to the other unit. You can use a straight through cable or a crossover.

2. Connect the two PS3s independently to your television set using separate input channels.

3. Turn your TV on first, and then both the PS3 systems. On the TV remote, select the PS3 as the source feed.

4. From there, go to Settings–>System Settings–>Data Transfter Utility.

5. Click on “Transfer data to another PS# system”.

6. Once your primary PS3 has gone to standby mode (meaning the data transfer is ready to start), then you can switch the TV’s video input from that one to the secondary PS3.

7. On the secondary system’s settings options, again select Data Transfer Utility, but this time, click on “Transfer from other PS3 to this system”.

Once the transfer’s over, your job is done! You have now successfully backed up the data from your primary PS3 to your secondary machine. In future, follow these steps to periodically back up your gaming data – more often if you have especially exciting gaming weekends with your buddies on a regular basis.

Here are some simple things you want to keep in mind when you’re dealing with a wet machine:

First, turn it off and keep it off. You’ll be very tempted to power it up and see if the water did any damage but if you do, you’re almost absolutely certain never to be able to use the motherboard again. The water might have already done permanent damage, but at least if you keep it dry for a few days, your chances of using it again are still there.

Second, just dab off the water around the unit with a dry piece of cloth. As for the PS3 itself, be sure you’re only using isopropyl alcohol to clean it – nothing stronger. This might be a redundant warning but don’t use anything that’s meant for tough cleaning, like commercial brands of cleaners, etc. Just use a minimal amount to clean the disc drive and around the fan areas. You can’t power it up to get to the actual CD drive so just do it on the outside first. And definitely DO NOT use any heat-drying method like using your oven or hair-dryer because it will only loosen the soldering or worse, completely damage the unit. Since your warranty’s voided now anyway, you can now open the module to get to the insides. Again use isopropyl alcohol, but this time make sure that you’re properly ‘earthed’ to avoid nasty shocks; after all, electronics can be almost as dangerous as electricity. Also remember not to drown any of the parts in alcohol; just use a soft cloth dipped in the solution and wipe gently.

Third, wait! 24…48…at least 72 hours later, you can plug in and power up with your fingers crossed. Chances are about 50-50 that it will start up and function as good as before. In the event that it doesn’t, or it does and shows a disc error or something, try to do an elimination analysis to see which part may be affected. If the whole thing’s fried, then you can still save a few bucks by selling it for spare parts online. Lots of buyers pick up damaged units to try and salvage parts that they can use on other machines. But tell them exactly what happened if they’re looking to buy your unit.

Water inside electronic gadgets is probably the worst kind of damage they can go through – apart from juice, coffee and other sticky stuff! But if you follow this simple sequence of steps, then all may not be lost.

In fact, the operation manual that comes with the PS3 can even show you how it’s done. The three-page section covers the 1-2-3 of installing the new hardware, and it even makes mention of the fact that unless your HDD damages the console in any way, the warranty will still be active. Console damage caused by hard drive installation isn’t a likely thing to happen anyway. A word of warning is given to users, though: if you’re taking it to the service center for repairs or any other work, then you need to switch back to the default hard drive before you do.

What you need is simple: a new HDD with the memory you need to upgrade to, and a screwdriver set. The system will take all SATA 2.5mm HDDs; you can’t use an IDE Notebook drive. 5,400 rpm drives are recommended, since the PS3 already runs at that speed; however, if you think you know what you’re doing, you could probably get away with using a different speed as well.

The whole changeover shouldn’t take you more than a couple of minutes. Remove the plastic panel at the back of the machine and release the drive cage after removing the four screws. Take the existing one out and insert the new one, and then close up. Switch on your PS3 and the HDD should be recognized automatically. Watch out for the format alert, because accepting that will erase and information that you may already have on that drive. If you’re unsure of any of the steps involved in changing the drive, consult the manual.

Just in case you were wondering, changing the HDD is not going to make your PS3 more responsive or faster in any way; it merely increases the memory available to save your games, movies, etc. Though 200 GB has been observed as the maximum upgrade, users are always looking to push the envelope on that.

The upgrade facility on your PS3 is one of the great features on the latest in the Sony Play Station series. It actually allows you to save some money because you can buy the low end 20 GB one for a great price and install your own HDD when you need more space. It’s a simple way to save money but if you’re even unsure of anything, do refer to the manual to sort it out first.