HED Mag

If you can get past the idea of using what was developed as a gaming console for your primary home video device, the Playstation 3 Slim offers unparalleled value and versatility in the home entertainment market. A first rate name in the video game world, the Playstation 3 Slim moonlights as an upscale Blu-ray DVD player equal to the quality of any free standing Blu-ray player available today. By comparison, top notch Blu-ray players can run you north of 150 in their own right, the Playstation 3 Slim is priced just under 300, only adding 150 for its gaming capabilities, built in web browser, free online gaming capabilities, built in Wi-Fi and 120 GB hard drive. Its streaming video capabilities allows you to access to content from external sources such as Netflix in addition to Sony’s own online video store, making it a jack of all trades as far as home video devices go. The model also provides HDMI output making it compatible with the most advanced televisions on the market, the true focal point of any home entertainment center.The PS3 Slim’s slender figure is an upgrade from the standard Playstation 3 design. Not that there is any shame in centering your home entertainment experience around a video game console, but the slimmer appearance makes the PS3 significantly less conspicuous. Its multi-functionality can also help to reduce the clutter that constitutes your home entertainment center, providing you with all the same elements of a more sprawling entertainment set up while eliminating unnecessary gizmos and gadgets.Surprisingly, drawbacks to the PS3 Slims total package will primarily affect gamers, Playstation’s traditional stronghold. While the PS3 Slim offers a wide array of game options, players looking to go retro with their favorite PS2 games will be out of luck as the older discs are not compatible. Online gaming, though improving, still lags behind the industry leader, Xbox Live.