Video Formats and Hardware Compatibility

From its initial support of MPEG-1&2 and H.264, the PS3 has expanded its compatibility to include DivX-encoded AVIs, and WMV (including the VC1 codec). It will also play back AVCHD recordings from a camcorder, but despite the number of supported file types, the PS3 does not play all corresponding movies. WMA soundtracks are sometimes not played back (silent video). And with DivX, for example, playback can fail if the file is encoded with quality-enhancing measures such as GMC (Global Motion Compensation) or Q-Pel (Quarter-Pixel Motion Compensation). On the other hand, subtitles can be extracted from DivX files, so long as they are contained in the video file itself, rather than as separate files.

Other problems can occur when interfacing with a UPnP server: Sometimes the PlayStation will reject videos from one server, while a different one or a USB stick will give normal playback. Look to the server's side for solutions - try using different software or an updated version. Windows users are at an advantage since it offers a wider choice of available programs.

A formidable setup: As well as increased compatibility with PC-based materials, the PS3 is now a video recorder, thanks to Sony's "Play TV" DVB-T receiver (the small box seen here next to the PlayStation).

The PlayStation 3's array of connections just begs you to add other gadgets. For example, the QNAP TS-109, an external hard disk with a UPnP AV server, basically becomes a hard disk with a network connection. Also known as NAS (network attached storage), these can be a great addition to the multimedia household. All computers in the network can connect to it, as can UPnP-compatible devices such as - you guessed it - the PlayStation 3.

Versatile: The PS3 can connect to a variety of devices, including this NAS system from QNAP. The pictured model is the TS-109 Pro - for more information, see our info box.

The QNAP TS-109's features will appeal primarily to pro PC users. It boasts a Bit torrent client, an FTP server, and an iTunes server, which makes its music library available to all iTunes programs in the network.

If you choose the option without a supplied hard disk, you can then install your own Serial-ATA hard disk; further models in the TS series will accept up to four separate disks with a total storage of up to a massive four terabytes.

Windows and Mac systems will recognize the device immediately and assist users with registering and setting up functions. The supplied TwonkyMedia software should be updated to the 4.4.4 version to improve compatibility with the PS3.

Fast copying of data: almost 20 megabytes per second

Low power consumption: 12 Watt

Links: http://www.qnap.com/Wheretobuy_detail.asp?tb_pl=1&country=GB

Price: with 500 GB hard disk, about 240 GBP; without hard disk, about 170 GBP.

If you are lucky enough to own both a PS3 and a PSP (Sony's hand-held miniature games console), you will love the flexibility this system provides when you connect the two. Connectivity can be achieved using a USB cable. The wireless LAN option is arguably much more fun, bringing one step closer the concept of multimedia throughout the home. While chilling out on the terrace on a sunny Sunday afternoon you can use the PSP to access music from the PS3's hard disk, or you can tuck up in bed for a movie streamed straight to the hand-held device.

Flexible: You can connect the PSP to the PS3 either by wireless LAN or using a network cable (as seen here).

Possibly even more enchanting is linking up to your PS3's content over the Internet (that is, from the office or a friend's place). This also allows you to switch the unit in and out of standby mode remotely, to save energy costs. A bit more relevant for everyday use: When listening to music in the living room, for example, the PSP can become potentially the world's most expensive remote control.