PlayStation 3 is fully equipped for the High Definition age - here's how to make the most of it.
If you have a PS3 sitting under your TV, hopefully you're already seeing the benefits of High Definition. With HD, you can expect crystal clear visuals and vibrant colours that make you feel you're really there - whether exploring another world in your favourite game, watching a movie on Blu-ray Disc, or simply checking out your holiday photos.
So, how do you make the switch to High Definition? Well, in addition to PlayStation 3, you'll need the following:
A High Definition ready television
High Definition actually refers to a variety of picture resolutions, starting at 720p. The best resolution that current technology allows is 1080p. These numbers refer to the number of lines the TV displays, with the 'p' standing for progressive, where the entire picture is refreshed every single frame - resulting in a spectacularly clear and smooth picture.
The other common resolution is1080i, which displays 1080 lines of information, with interlacing - where half the picture is refreshed one frame, the other half the next.
If you're looking to buy a new television, check for those labelled HD ready - to qualify for this, the TV must be able to support 720p and 1080i (but not 1080p). 1080p TVs are becoming more common too - and the good news is HDTVs are coming down in price as more and more people make the shift to High Definition.
Make the connection
Got your HDTV? Then you'll need to connect your PS3 to it using a cable that can carry an HD signal. The best option is an HDMI cable (assuming your TV has an HDMI socket), which carries sound and audio through one cable and boasts the best picture quality it's possible to get. If your TV doesn't have HDMI, though, you can get a Component cable, which will still give you a satisfyingly High Definition image.
See the difference
Once set up, you'll find a High Definition picture is leaps and bounds above what you're used to seeing. PS3 games look remarkable in this picture format, with crisp visuals that really bring home the power of the system. Movies on Blu-ray Disc also look stunning, with a picture clarity that's leaps and bounds ahead of standard TV.
What's more, with system software 1.80 and later installed, PS3 can 'upscale' your DVDs and compatible PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games to HD, making them look better than ever. There's never been a better time to switch to High Definition.
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