NTSC-UK Import PlayStation 3 FAQ v2.0 [updated: 18/04/2007]

[Darwock]

By 'eck, that was a long read, but at least I know I'm not asking something that's already been answered!

I've been completely out of the loop for the past year and a bit (no internet), so I really am clueless. I'm gearing up to finally buy myself a PS3 now that DMC4 is around the corner, so I popped out to Yodobashi camera to check prices and discovered there are now 3 versions on sale (in Japan that is).

There's a new 40gb version which has a few physical changes to the hardware and doesn't have backwards compatibility... does this mean the 60gb version is likely to become obsolete? Does anyone think there could be any future repercussions for buying the 'old' model now?

Also I heard that the PAL consoles do BC by emulation - does the Jpn 60gb version still use hardware emulation?

One last question, I read a lot of posts here about problems using UK credit cards - it seems Japanese banks don't like to issue credit cards to foreigners, so I am likely to encounter the same issues.

However a few months ago (when I had a rare chance to read the forums) I looked at a thread about prepaid cards you could buy in Japan to access the PSN. Now I can't find anything about them, anywhere. Did that idea never make it off the drawing board? Pretty weird, I remember looking at pictures and everything!

[saif]

If you are in Japan (assume you are) the PSN tickets are often not actually cards but just receipts from the machines in the convenience stores - like Loppi etc. Have a look on that.

[fahrenheit]

For those that don't know, Sony will be launching a free to air DVB-T tuner/PVR for the PS3 soon and it looks like a fairly sweet option for PS3 owners looking to minimise the amount of boxes under the TV.

http://kotaku.com/gaming/clips/play-tv-on-ps3-explained-292541.php

TV broadcasts in europe regardless of whether they are standard or high def, are 50Hz (opposed to the US/Jap 60Hz) and at this time, PS3's don't output any of the HD resolutions in 50Hz. So its a safe bet that between now and the launch of PlayTV, PAL PS3's will get 50Hz HD support added to the firmware.

But the same may not be true for import PS3's that are 60Hz only. Its not clear whether or not an NTSC console will convert the signal to 60Hz (not ideal), or flatout reject it.

This could be a decisive factor when considering an import for some people and something to consider if you have already imported and plan on getting this little tuner device when it becomes available.

Of course the best situation would be if Sony included 50Hz support for NTSC units aswell, but that seems unlikely.



EDIT:
I've now discovered that a PAL PS3 will infact output 720p and 1080i/p at 50Hz for video playback from an AVCHD compliant disc (tried and tested myself). This should mean that PlayTV should be 720p 50Hz without any framerate issues.

Still waiting for results from an NTSC PS3 owner with a similarly authored disc to see if it too will switch to 50Hz mode.

[craptest]

I want to buy the US NTSC version of Ninja Gaiden Sigma. I have a PAL 40g PS3 connected via component cables to a standard definitition TV. Am I right to assume this wont work out for me given its a SD TV and a PAL machine?

Are the human decapitations worth all this effort?

[fahrenheit]

Someone will correct me if I am wrong, but video settings are a function of the hardware, not the software.

[sj33]

It's slightly more complicated with the PS3, because the PAL PS3 does not support 480i/p, and the NTSC one does not support 576i/p. However, all games run at 60Hz at HD resolutions regardless of region.

The result is that, depending on the game, a game may or may not work on your console at SD resolution. I don't know about NG Sigma specifically though.

[analog dog]

Hi mateys
I've decided to get another PS3 for the back room and just thought I'd pick your brains if you don't mind,I've currently got a 60gb USA model and have bought some BC games like Gradius and SOTC,I do however have a large collection of PS2 JPN games which I would like to play in the future so will I be looking for a 60gb JPN PS3 ideally?
Can you see any reason why this would be a mistake?
cheers

[craptest]

I'm using a Standard Definition TV (SDTV), can I run JPN/US/PAL software on my JPN/US/PAL PS3?

I'll explain as best I can; PAL PS3's do not support 480i/p, so they cannot run in 60Hz. Similarly; NTSC PS3's cannot run in 576i/p.

It's been reported that some PAL PS3 titles won't work on an NTSC machine since they've been encoded at 576i. Similarly, the same problem has arisen with certain free demo content.

Have there been many (any) reports of NTSC PS3 games not working on a PAL console in standard definition? Cause I downloaded the Ninja Gaiden Sigma demo from the US store and it worked just fine on my SD TV. Now Im planning to import the full game.

Can someone name a NTSC game that DOESNT work on a PAL PS3 in SD.

[Scarface]

Need a quick confirmation: does the Japanese Ceramic White model work without a stepdown adapter here in Europe?

Is it 110-220V like the 60GB models?

Thanks.

[lurch996]

the PAL PS3 does not support 480i/p

PAL PS3's do not support 480i/p, so they cannot run in 60Hz.

Just wondering where this info has come from because my PAL PS3 can play all my NTSC games at 480p. Set the dash to 576p, play an NTSC game and the video will switch to 480p. It also plays them at 480i 60hz on my CRT.

[Darkstorm]

Hi

I bought a Pal Copy of Dynasty Warriors Gundam but when i try to run it on my 60GB JP NTSC machine through RGB it coems up with an error like:
8000??? Cannot be displayed with these video settings

Now I read the posts and someone said that some games are set on SD at a resolution it cant run so Iw a swondering will this game run fine through HDMI? (I dont have a HDtv yet but will eventually) or will it just not work period (in which case I need a refund)

Thanks

(oh and Analog bar this problem aside, my Japanese 60gb has been fine for my ps2 stuff)

[Jei]

Darkstorm, Yep it will work perfectly through HDMI. I had the same problem as you before I went HD.

[Darkstorm]

Ah thank you for the quick reply, Much appreciated =)

On that note I don't suppose theres a list of titles that are HDMI only when played on NTSC machines is there? just if it's the majority I'll probably be betetr off buying NTSC games as I assume they work fine in SD?

[dvdmike]

Anyone ever use Genki Videogames ? they look expensive but post from the UK avoiding VAT

[wod]

i'm finally getting around to buy a ps3 as gt5 prologue is now out and thinking of getting a pal ps3

will this play any ntsc usa or japan games or is there some that don't work ?

also on pal ps3 do import games work on rgb scart or will i need to use hdmi as i dont have a hd tv yet ?

is there anything else i need to know as i've been getting confused as to which version console to buy.