How to Hook Up a PS3

Place the PS3 in a well-ventilated, dust-free area. The vents are located on the top of the machine. You can set the PS3 vertically, which may give you more room for other units. Alternately, you can set the PS3 horizontally. Do not place anything on top or next to the PS3. Heat radiates out of the system.

Pull out all the cords from the box and unwrap them. The cords that come with the PS3 system are as follows: the power cord, which has three metal prongs that plug into your surge protector, and the video cords, which are the red, white and yellow ones.

Attach the video cords to your TV. Plug your video cords into the three color-coordinated slots. The colors need to match up. The slots are located in the front of some TVs and in the back of others. Plug the other end of the video cord into the back of the PS3, in the "AV Multi-Out" port.

Plug your power cord into the back of your PS3. You will see a three-prong outlet; fit your power cord into that port so it's snug. Then plug the other end into your surge protector.

Turn on your PS3. You will need to set up your Internet connection by going to the "Settings" tab in the cross media bar. Scroll to "Network Settings," then to "Internet Connection Settings." Follow the on-screen instructions. The setup for the Internet varies by PS3 model, as well as your personal Internet connection. The PS3 models come with either an Ethernet port or a wireless card. After you set up your connection, you will be prompted to complete a firmware update.