Can a PS3 Slim Be Used With a Regular TV?

High-Definition Options

• HD gaming lets you get the most out of your PS3 console, since it generates a quality image with plenty of detail for you to see during games and movies. You have two options for this setup: component and HDMI. The maximum resolution you can get from either is 1080p, which is the highest standard definition you can get for a typical TV. The component setup involves three cords colored green, blue and red; often, the TV labels these cords as "Y," "Pb" and "Pr." These three cords carry only the image data; you need another setup for audio. HDMI bundles audio with the video, so you only need a single cord, and newer HDMI options can transmit Internet data as well.

Standard-Definition Options

• Some of the most compatible and widely available options are standard-definition. These connections are available on practically every TV, but they won't give you a sharp, detailed image like an HD display would. The PS3 can connect to an RCA, or "composite," connection or an S-video connection for standard-definition display. Each of these connections require a single port for video: RCA uses a yellow circular port and S-video uses a larger circular port, usually colored black. Both of these cords only transmit video content; you have to use another cord or set of cords for audio.

Audio Options

• HDMI is the simplest option, since it bundles audio and video in a single cord. HDMI supports up to 7.1 surround sound. If you don't use HDMI, you have two audio options: RCA stereo and Toslink. RCA stereo is more common, and it uses two cords with connectors identical to RCA video connectors. Usually the TV jacks for these are red and white, though some cord connectors will be different colors. Toslink uses fiber optic technology to transmit high-quality audio, and it supports up to 5.1 surround sound.

Connection Setup

• Your PS3 has three ports available to connect to your TV. They're labeled "HDMI out," "AV Multi Out" and "Digital Out." You connect each one's associated cords by carefully inserting the connector into the port. The HDMI options of course connects to an HDMI cord; "AV Multi Out" connects to a component, RCA or S-video cable; and "Digital Out" connects to a Toslink cord. After you plug the cord or cords in, you just have to plug the other end into the ports on your TV. If you connect your PS3 but the TV won't display anything, you may need to reset the video output. You do this by pressing and holding the power button while the PS3 is off; you'll hear a beep immediately, and then you'll hear a second beep in a moment. The second beep indicates the video output is reset and you can let go of the button.

PS3 Settings

• The PlayStation 3 has video options available in the "Settings" section of the XMB menu. You need to first select "Display Settings," then "Video Output Settings." You'll then select the video port you used on the back of the PS3 -- either the "HDMI" or the "AV Multi Out" port -- and select the aspect ratio. If you're using component or HDMI, you'll also select the TV's resolution capabilities. You set up the audio options by going to the "Settings" section again and selecting "Audio Settings," then "Audio Output Settings." You then select the connector you used on the back of the PS3, and the audio formats that the TV accepts.