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Topic: PS3, custom computer questions  (Read 927 times)

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PS3, custom computer questions
« on: July 10, 2008, 04:17:49 PM »
Okay, first question: we have a US PS3 along with a ton of PS3 games and BluRays.  I've heard conflicting reports about whether it will play UK games, DVDs, BluRays, etc.  I've also heard that even if it does play them, there will be some sort of distortion on a UK TV because it has to interpret the signal or something.  Does anyone know about all this?  Would we be better off selling all of our US PS3 stuff and BluRays, or are we okay to bring it with us?

Another question: my husband has a custom built gaming computer that we're going to have to ship to his brother when we move.  Will we have to pay taxes on it?  Obviously we paid taxes on all the parts here, so it would really suck if we had to pay more than just shipping to get it to England!

And one more about the computer: will there be any problems with running it once we get to England?  Would we need to get a British power supply for it and that's it, or are there potential problems for all of the components?

Thanks!!
10/12/08: Completed and submitted online application for UK spousal visa
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10/15/08: Visa application package sent to courier overnight
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Re: PS3, custom computer questions
« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2008, 08:03:21 PM »
I'm in the same boat and have also found it hard to find conclusive statements on compatibility. I'd love to hear from anyone here that's actually done it, but here's what seems to be the case, for a US PS3:

  • PS1-2 Games: Will only play US games - PS1-2 games are region locked
  • PS3 Games: Will play all PS3 games - they are not region locked
  • DVD/Blu-Ray: Will only play US discs - they are region locked
  • Video output: Should be fine, with a DVI/HDMI connection (digital connection). May run into PAL/NTSC issues with svideo/component/analog connections on a PAL-only TV

I'm about 97% confident that the above is true, but actual anecdotes from other gamers would be great. =)

For the computer (and other electronics you want to bring), you'll probably need to get something like this: http://www.voltageconverters.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=VC2000W (I'm not recommending this site or product, it's just an example). You'll want to get something with a wattage that's greater than the sum of the devices you're plugging into it - a nice gaming computer may have a 500w-750w power supply, an LCD may pull down ~50w or so, etc. (I'd assume you'd plug in a power bar to something like the transformer, you don't need one per device). You can replace the power supply on the computer, too, but that won't help you with all of the other accessories you may have. You can get smaller versions for other household products you may want to bring.


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Re: PS3, custom computer questions
« Reply #2 on: July 10, 2008, 08:15:33 PM »
Thanks for the info!  I know the power supple is 1000w (because my husband is obsessive about his system), so I'm guessing I'll need to aim high with the converter-- thanks so much about that, I'd have never known to do that!
10/12/08: Completed and submitted online application for UK spousal visa
10/14/08: Biometrics done (as a walk-in a day early)
10/15/08: Visa application package sent to courier overnight
10/16/08: Application received by courier and delivered to Chicago consulate
10/20/08: Called courier to ask about delays, told it was approved!!
10/21/08: Visa in hand.  Date issued 10/18/08
11/19/08: Flight to Leeds!
3/18/14: Checking service appointment for naturalisation
4/19/14: Naturalisation approved
5/15/14: Citizenship ceremony


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Re: PS3, custom computer questions
« Reply #3 on: July 12, 2008, 10:36:51 AM »
I can't confirm the game compatibility, not being a PS1/2/3 gamer myself, but on video issue, a large number of U.K. TVs currently on the market will accept 525/60 (American) signals on the direct component video inputs.  Many -- but not all -- will also accept NTSC encoded video on the S-video or composite inputs as well, especially the newer LCD and plasma sets.   If you have a look in the "Technical Issues" thread there is a lot more about the different degrees of compatibility between the various types of video interconnections.

On the computer power supply issue, most modern PC desktop/tower supplies have a selector switch for 120 or 240V on the rear.  It's the peripherals which are often single-voltage only, including all the little "wall wart" units for printers, routers, etc.  Quite a large proportion of newer monitors have universal power supplies which will operate on either voltage without adjustment though.  The label on the back will say something like "90 to 250V, 50/60Hz" if this is the case.

You could run any 240V-compatible equipment directly from the British supply and just use a smaller stepdown transformer for the 120V equipment if you wish, but you might find it easier to just keep all the computer gear on 120V by bringing a U.S. power strip with you and plugging it into one big transformer.

Do not use those cheap "transformerless" converters.  They appear to be good value for money in terms of watts per dollar/pound, and are much smaller and lighter compared to a similarly rated transformer, but they provide a type of power which can cause problems for electronic equipment.  Stick with a simple transformer and you won't go wrong.

http://www.newmarket-transformers.co.uk/

http://www.airlinktransformers.com/
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