PS3 Connector Types

Video

• The PS3 can output video in several different formats, including composite video, S-sideo, RGB SCART, component video, D-Terminal and HDMI. Each of these formats supports different resolutions, depending on region of purchase. Composite video uses a yellow RCA connector. S-video uses a special 4-pin S-video connector that pairs each signal pin with a ground pin. SCART, a European standard, uses a 21-pin connector, while component video uses three RCA plugs: one red, one blue and one green. D-Terminal video, most used in Japan, carries a component-type signal and uses a connector that looks much like the connector on a computer monitor. HDMI actually transfers audio and video at the same time. It uses a special connector that looks a little like a USB cable.

Audio

• The PlayStation 3 accepts a number of audio connector formats and outputs several types of audio. It can output in analog stereo format, LPCM, Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 and AAC format. Slim PS3 models can also output in DTS-HD Master Audio Bitstream or Dolby TrueHD Bitstream. It can accept a digital out optical connector or HDMI connector. The PS3 also hooks to devices that use SCART, AV Multi or audio input connector formats using a specialized AV Multi-out connector.

Controllers

• Most PlayStation 3 controllers feature no wires and work via Bluetooth. You can also plug them directly into the console using a USB cable. You must plug the controller in via USB the first time to pair the devices and set them up correctly. After that, you may use the controller with or without wires. The PlayStation 3 also accepts most third-party controllers, provided they offer a USB connector interface.

Data

• PlayStation 3 consoles can also accept some memory and data transfer devices via slots. These include flash devices such as the Sony Memory Stick, which uses its own connector, MultiMedia, CompactFlash, MicroDrive and SD cards similar to those used in digital cameras and USB connector-based flash memory sticks.