Hey everyone,

So a bonus from work that I didn't think I was going to get because of the USD taking a nose dive has apparently been figured out.  While most of these new riches are earmarked for other things (aka bills), I'm hoping to use a portion to purchase a PS3 and I have a few questions, concerns that I'm hoping people can provide feedback on.  Also, just as a last note, the PS3 is primarily going to be for bluray at the moment.  I have extremely limited time for video games (my daughter is 6 months old which might explain it!), so for the moment its for movies. 

First, I'm not sure the PS3 is going to fit into my home entertainment setup.  I have a 50 inch Samsung DLP that only has a single HDMI port.  My home theatre receiver (for 5.1 sound) which is also a 5 disc DVD changer doesn't allow HDMI as an input.  So what exactly are my options?  Obviously with the PS3, I won't bother using the receiver for watching movies, but without it I won't get sound through my speaker setup.  Is there some way to use the HDMI from the ps3 for video directly to my TV and then route the sound through my receiver?

Second, I know there was some deal in the US for free bluray movies.  I live up in Canada, so does anyone know if there are any deals available with the ps3 to get any free stuff like movies?  I wasn't planning on getting one until March, but I could move quickly if required.

Lastly, there have been some rumors of a price drop.  Anything new on this front or is the price liable to be static for the moment.  I feel a slight urgence since at the moment I don't trust Sony not to cut backwards compatibility entirely and that is very important for me as I never had a chance to get a ps2.  If its a choice between waiting for a lower price and losing BC or buying now, the answer is easy for me.

Thanks!

For question 1. Yes, you can use HDMI for video and Optical out for audio.

No comment on other questions. Do check out dell.ca, they sometimes have good bundles, usually involving BR remote, HDMI cable and a game. And offer free shipping. @coolest 2 words: upwards mobility!

Hola.

First, you can use the HDMI on the TV, and optical for your stereo - I use optical for the sounds.

Second, the free Blu Ray movie deal expired on the 31st of January. If you can find a receipt showing you bought the PS3 during the months (I think Oct. 31st to Jan. 31st), you *may* be able to get the deal but you have to have it postmarked by Feb. 28th.

Third, there may be a price drop soon, because a bigger capacity PS3 is on the horizon. The 40gb may drop to $299 ... that's the most popular price drop rumor. And as far as BC - yay! - I was able to find a pristine 20gb for just $300. The 80gb is the only one available with PS2 software BC. The 20gb and 60gb - still available, but you have to do some serious searching - have the full hardware BC. The 40gb has just PS1 emulation.

Pull up a chair and stay ah while, matey. 

In 7-8 years you never had a chance to get a PS2? But in 1 year you can get a PS3. Weird...

If he was in high school, college, without a job, it's very possible. Not everyone is independently wealthy, has a fam that will buy them expensive toys or has a good paying job. You don't know his financial standing nor should we ask. 

Thanks for the responses everyone,

I'm glad it seems pretty simple to get running.

As for your comment coolestguyever, not that I think it really deserves a response, but money had nothing to do with it. I had a gamecube for a few specific games such as smash bros, but I played computer games almost exclusively. It never seemed to make much sense to buy a ps2 when I spent most of my time online.

Now that I don't have the hours and hours needed to play my preferred games like Everquest and WoW, I find that consoles are again more interesting because they are simple to pick up and drop when needed. If you don't have kids, you probably don't understand how much time it takes. Just as an example, I've had Super Mario Galaxy since Christmas and I only have 30 odd stars. I generally get maybe 5-30 minutes at a time to play games, but watching a movie is easier because it doesn't take 100% attention.

Does anyone know if they're going to start packaging the ps3 with a dual shock 3 anytime soon?

Not anytime soon, no.

Gracias