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Similar Features
The PS3 console equips non-Internet ready TVs with features similar to those of Internet-ready TVs. PS3 allows users to stream movies and television shows instantly, listen to digital music files and view photos. Free PS3 apps also allow users to watch Internet videos. PS3's Live Channel offers up-to-date news and weather, features generally included in Internet-ready televisions.
Television Requirements
Whether Internet-ready or not, your television must have certain basic features to properly function with the PS3 console. Depending on the type of connection you use, your television must have a composite, S-video, component or HDMI input. Though composite and component inputs don't limit the online features of the PS3, they are not capable of displaying the PS3's graphics in high-definition. For HD output, you need an HDTV with an HDMI or component input.
PS3's Online Features
The PS3 offers Internet browsing and online gaming via Sony's PlayStation Network. This network hosts over 42 million gamers as of 2011, providing a platform for multiplayer games ranging from first-person shooters to puzzlers. Part of the network, the PlayStation Store offers thousands of downloadable games, gaming add-ons, movies, songs and television shows, while PlayStation Home allows users to interact via avatars. The PSN also connects users via voice, video and text chat. Unlike Internet-ready televisions, Sony's console allows users to download multimedia to a built-in hard drive.
Considerations
Internet television features vary by manufacturer and model, and compare to the PS3 in different ways. To enable Internet connectivity in your PS3 console or Internet-ready TV, you will need either wireless Internet service or an additional Ethernet cable running from your network gateway device. You may not need an Internet connection to use a PS3 or an Internet-ready TV, though not having an Internet connection means you will miss out on features offered by both devices.