Travis S. asks: I have a wireless network in my home and at first glance my PS3 seems to like it. I can get on the PSN fine. The problem I am having is when I try to download an update to a game it errors out. I would also like to start playing online and check out Home when it comes. I have little trouble downloading demos (takes around 30 min). I have called my service provider and the network setting looks good. Is there something I am missing like needing to open a port or something?
PS3F answers: It sounds like you might have a firewall issue. You will need to open TCP/UDP ports. You'll want to contact your network service provider on how to do that, as we can't do that without knowing further information on your setup. We can, however, advise you on what those TCP/UDP ports are; we've listed them below:

Ports for First-Party PlayStation Game Servers:

• TCP Ports: 80, 443, 5223, and 10070 - 10080
• UDP Ports: 3478, 3479, 3658, 10070, and 50100

Ports for PlayStation Network:

• TCP Ports: 80, 443, 5223
• UDP Ports: 3478, 3479, 3658

Also, double check your network settings on the PS3. Go to: Settings->Network Settings->Internet Connection Test. Make sure your NAT is "Type 2" -- this means you have a proper wireless connection. It is possible to connect online and have it read "Failed" -- it has happened to us. You might just have a finicky connection, and a simple reset to your router and modem by unplugging the power to both for 15 seconds might do the trick. Try the test again and then try that update. If you still have problems, you'll really have to open those ports.

John D. asks: My internet gets really screwy at home. Sometimes downloads timeout and don't get done. It's really annoying whenever you have to download a mandatory update patch. Since my internet is keeping me from downloading the thing, I can't play my game. Is there any way I can play my game without downloading the patch?
PS3F answers: Yes. You will need to disable the internet connection under "Network Settings" that way your PS3 won't auto-detect an internet connection, thereby not detecting an available patch. You'll have to turn it back on if you want to access any online components such as PS Store or online gaming.


Conor M. asks: When I'm buying a new TV for my PS3, is there any way for me to know what size to get, and how far back I should sit from it?
PS3F answers: No matter what size television you have you should always sit at least six to eight feet away from the screen. Seriously, what's the point of getting a bigger screen if you're just going to sit proportionately further and further away from it? As for a size, you'll want to physically walk into a store and look at the sizes for yourself so you can get a feel for what fits best in your home and for your needs. A 32-inch HDTV is a good start as most games support 720p/1080i and that sort of resolution looks great on a 32'er. Any screen size bigger than that is already going into 1080p territory.

Evan S. asks: In a previous article, you stated that National Geographic Africa was coming to the US this month. Can we get an update, now that it's December, and will this game be on the PSN?
PS3F answers: We currently do not have further information regarding the release date other than that article which you've mentioned. Though, we just want to point out to you and everyone else that's interested in this title that it will be Blu-ray disc-based.

akshaycaussy asks: I would like to know if the US has a video download system which allows them to download full movies, such as the Dark Knight or any film released on DVD/Blu-Ray. Further to that, will Europe be getting a similar system? I heard Vidzone was coming for Europe but that's only Music Videos.
PS3F answers: Yes, the US PlayStation Store has a video section dedicated to the purchase and rental of both SD and HD digital content. The video store option will only appear if you actually live in the United States. As for Europe, the closest thing to something of this sort is Play TV which lets PS3 owners "watch, record and replay digital TV on PS3." Europe also has something called Go! View which is a download service and is more like the US video store you're asking about, but this is only available for PSP.