Optimizing Your PS3 for Blu-ray

Get the most out of your high-def experience with our comprehensive guide.

by Scott Lowe

December 12, 2008

The PlayStation 3, prior to the advent of sub-$300 Blu-ray players, was regarded as one of the cheapest and value-added ways of getting Blu-ray technology into your home. Despite the competitive price drops in standalone players, the PlayStation 3 remains an incredible value by offering users the ability to view and play high-definition videogames and multimedia content, all in one piece of hardware. Regardless of where your gaming allegiances lie, there is no contesting the fact that the PlayStation 3 is a multimedia powerhouse.

Most PlayStation 3 owners are new to Blu-ray hardware, and while just about any high-definition setup will provide breathtaking visual and audio presentation, there are a number of ways to fine-tune your player to maximize your player's performance. While one half of the equation involves components beyond your PS3, such as the calibration settings on your DLP, LCD, or Plasma TV, these devices must be adjusted on a case-by-case basis. No two viewers are the same nor are two viewing environments—people are picky when it comes to tech. However, the PS3 is host to a number of onboard settings that, if calibrated properly, can ensure the best possible source video for your home theater setup.

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Blu-ray sales have been higher this year than ever before, and the PS3 continues to lead the charge in Blu-ray hardware. To guide new and existing PS3 owners through the vast plethora of settings presented in the console's Xross Media Bar, we've crafted this comprehensive guide of recommended settings. To access this portion of your PlayStation 3, scroll to "Settings" just the right of the "Users" drop down menu. From there you'll be able to access all of the categories discussed in this guide.

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Video Settings

This section of the XrossMediaBar is where you'll find all of the necessary settings for video content, DVD, Blu-ray, or otherwise. You can find the "Video Settings" sub-category just below "System Update" and "Game Settings." From within this menu there are several settings categories that affect Blu-ray performance, check out our recommended settings below:

"BD Internet Connection"

Online integration is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of Blu-ray technology. It enables users to get all of the latest firmware updates for their player, which ensures that playback performance is as seamless as possible. The PlayStation 3 is unique in that it utilizes WiFi technology, whereas most standalone Blu-ray solutions require an Ethernet cable connection. The WiFi of the PlayStation allows you to get updates and content for your player as soon as they become available, as such, it is important that your PS3's Blu-ray internet access is always turned on. Of the two options provided for the "BD Internet Connection," select "Allow." This tells your player to establish an internet connection every time a Blu-ray disc is being played.

Recommended Setting: "Allow"

"BD/DVD Cinema Conversion"

This option pertains primarily to how your PS3 displays DVD content recorded in interlace format. This issue only rarely applies to Blu-ray content, primarily supplemental content with lesser encodings or homemade Blu-ray discs. To ensure that you get the best possible viewing experience, even with standard-definition supplemental content, leave this selected to "Automatic," which enables your player to automatically detect and match the best conversion method for the source material.

Recommended Setting: "Automatic"

"BD/DVD Upscaler"

Like the "Cinema Conversion" category, this setting is only applicable to Blu-ray content that is encoded in standard definition (non-HD extras). There are a number of options given to users: "Double Scale," "Normal," "Full Screen," and "Off." The "Double Scale" option doubles the resolutions of the source video, which sounds more beneficial than it really is. Double scaling your video can, in some cases, give you a softer image than what you started with. "Full Screen" is also an undesirable choice because it scales your image in a way that stretches it beyond its natural dimensions. We recommend going with "Normal," which scales your image to the maximum proportional resolution supported by your TV.

Recommended Setting: "Normal"

Video Settings Continued...

"BD/DVD Video Output Format (HDMI)"

This setting allows you to specify the color space of the video output from your PS3, either RGB or Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr. Typically, video game content is encoded in sRGB and video is broken down into Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr. The PlayStation 3 can automatically detect which color mode is best for the source video, but some users have noted problems with the auto detection, such as discoloration. Additionally, RGB and Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr output can be affected by the type of display you are using, whether it be a PC monitor or TV. For those using a PC monitor we recommend "RGB," while HDTV owners should stick to "Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr" for Blu-ray content.

Recommended Setting: "RGB" for PC monitors, "Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr" for TVs.

"BD 1080p 24 Hz Output (HDMI)"

This setting pertains to how your PlayStation 3 outputs video refresh rate for Blu-ray content. For the most fluid, cleanest picture, Blu-ray delivers video at their native 24 frames-per-second, which eliminates common playback issues at higher framerates, such as 60 Hz and 50 Hz. Most current-generation TVs support 24 Hz playback, but if you are unsure whether or not your display is capable of displaying at the native framerate, select "Automatic." This allows your PlayStation 3 to automatically detect the framerate and display rate of your setup.

Recommended Setting: "Automatic"

"BD/DVD Dynamic Range Control"

One problem with high-end digital audio outputs is that they are impractical for low-volume usage. If you are trying to watch a film and your volume isn't cranked, hearing the film's dialogue can be incredibly difficult; the words get lost in the soundtrack and effects. To prevent this, Sony incorporated an automated feature that would boost dialogue, however, we've noticed that this feature can increase dialogue beyond favorable levels at times. To ensure that you get pristine audio performance, we recommend keeping this feature set to "Off."

Recommended Setting: "Off"

"BD/DVD Audio Output Format (HDMI)"

This setting, for whatever reason, is still filed under "Video Settings" on the XMB menu, despite the fact that it has nothing to do with video performance. In any case, this option allows users to specify how audio signals are delivered to their audio system when connected via HDMI. For this option, owners of the original "fat" PS3 want to select "Linear PCM," as it is capable of delivering the most diverse audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD. Those with newer, "slim" PS3 models, which have upgraded HDMI ports, can select "Bitstream" to achieve Dolby TrueHD.

Recommended Setting: "Linear PCM"

"BD/DVD Audio Output Format (Optical Digital)"

While Linear PCM is the better choice for use with HDMI connections, Bitstream codecs are better suited for optical cable connections with the PS3. Linear PCM codecs can only be delivered as stereo signals by the PlayStation 3. The better option of the two is Bitstream for optical connections, as it can deliver Dolby Digital Plus, DTS surround, and Dolby Digital. Unfortunately, optical connections in either case cannot deliver Dolby TrueHD.

Recommended Setting: "Bitstream"

Display Settings

You can find "Display Settings" just below "Printer Settings" toward the bottom of the main "Settings" queue. This area of settings determines the overall video output settings for your PlayStation 3. Most of the settings in this subsection are largely subjective. Output resolutions will vary with each television, and user-preference determines the screensaver. The two main settings we need to view and tweak are "RGB Full Range (HDMI)" and "Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr Super-White (HDMI)."

RGB Full Range (HDMI)

This setting pertains to how wide the RGB color output of your PlayStation 3 is. There are two options within this setting "Limited" or "Full." "Limited" delivers a more subdued, albeit more naturalistic, color range, while "Full" produces both brighter and richer tones on both ends of the spectrum. As a result of the "Full" spectrum, many intermediate shades get lost in the mix. On the other hand, some users may find that "Full" is better for their particular TV, however, we found that in most cases "Limited" produced the best results.

Recommended Setting: "Limited"

Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr Super-White (HDMI)

The "Super-White" feature on the PS3 is designed to present deeper black levels and brighter whites during video playback with supported TVs. This feature only works with displays that accept Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr signals via HDMI. If you are unsure about whether or not your display accepts Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr via HDMI, don't fret! You can leave this feature set to "On" in any case. If your TV supports it, then you get the full benefit. If not, it has no negative impact on your picture.

Recommended Setting: "On"

Sound Settings

The final subsection in our guide is the "Sound Settings" section. You can find the "Sound Settings" just below "Display Settings" on the XMB menu. This, as you may have guessed, is where you can configure your system's audio output.

Audio Output Settings This section is fairly automated, simply select the method by which you have your PS3 connected to your sound system and select "Automatic." This allows the system to automatically detect what settings are supported by your audio system and enables them. Review the codecs, making sure none are left out, and save.

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