Sony Blu-Ray Remote Control for PlayStation 3

One of the most important accessories for an owner of a Sony PlayStation 3 gaming console would have to be the Sony PlayStation 3 Blu-Ray Disc Remote Control.  The Sony PS3 has the ability to play movies on DVD and Blu-Ray® Disc formats and is probably one of the best players currently on the market.  But it can be frustrating to try to play a movie on the PS3 because using the Dual Shock 3 (and/or SIXAXIS) Controller is not set up to use all of the functions generally associated with most DVD/Blu-ray® players.

Luckily Sony released a remote control dedicated for this feature.  The remote control is approximately the same size as most remote controls packaged with Sony branded televisions, DVD players, and Blu-ray® players; and has all the standard buttons found on a remote control of a dedicated DVD/Blu-ray player (Play, Stop, Pause, Menu, etc). 

The upper section of the remote control contains the numerical buttons as well as the Eject, Angle, Audio, Subtitle, etc.  The center section of the remote features buttons (Home, Select, Start, Triangle, Square, Circle, and X as well as the various L/R buttons) normally found on the Sony Dual Shock 3/SIXAXIS controllers used for gaming as well as the directional button used to navigate menus, etc.  The gaming buttons (Triangle, Square, Circle, X) are located around the Directional Pad on the remote. The lower section features oversized Play, Stop, and Pause buttons.  The oversize buttons are nice because you don't have to fumble over or try to find the buttons in a darkened room while watching a movie.

One of the greatest features would have to be the Bluetooth® wireless technology used to connect/link the remote to the Sony PlayStation 3.  The same technology is used to connect/link the gaming controllers to the console as well.  The remote control does not have to be facing the console (like infrared remotes) and it operates from pretty much any location in your living and/or family room.  The Sony PlayStation 3 can only link one remote control at a time and uses up a "controller slot".  The PS3 can connect/link up to 7 (some say eight) controllers, so you really don't have to worry about using up any "space" and with future firmware updates, the amount of controllers that can be connected may increase.

Speaking of firmware updates; this controller is only compatible with PlayStation 3 consoles that have the 1.30 version update (or later) released November 2006.  For the most part, everyone should have the most recent firmware updates because every currently produced game features the latest updates to keep your PS3 running smoothly as well as adding new functions and features to the console.  The remote controller also doubles as a controller for games that don't require the Analog Sticks.  For the most part the person using the remote as a controller would be limited to Party or Trivia style games.  I don't think you'd want to use the remote for Street Fighter IV...

The remote is easy to set up and "connect" to the Sony PlayStation 3 console.   All you need to do is turn on the PS3 and go to the Home Menu, then go to Settings, then Accessory Settings, and then Register Device.  Once this is done you don't have to ever associate/link the two items to each other again.

This particular accessory is probably the best investment I have made towards the Sony PlayStation 3.  The MSRP on the remote control is around $24.99 and if you look around you can get it for around $19.99 (like on www.amazon.com).  I got my remote from Amazon for $9.99 because I had a $10 promotional certificate redeemable towards any video game related item that I earned for purchasing Batman: Arkham Asylum for the PS3.

The only "downside" to the remote is the lack of glow-in-the-dark or illuminated buttons like my Sony television remote has.  It's not a big deal though since the Play, Stop, and Pause buttons are all oversized and easy to locate.  So I use the word "downside" very loosely.
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[PRODUCT]
Sony PlayStation 3 Blu-ray Disc Remote Control
SCPH-98046

 [MANUFACTURER]
Sony
Made in China

[YEAR of RELEASE]
2006

[M.S.R.P.]
$24.99

[BATTERIES REQUIRED?]
AA Batteries (x2)
Batteries are Included

[DIMENSIONS & SPECIFICATIONS]


2in x 1in x 8.6in (w x h x d)

Bluetooth® Technology

Compatible with all Sony PlayStation 3 Consoles (with 1.30 or later Firmware)

[WARRANTY]
90 Day Warranty*
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© COPYRIGHT 2009 Chris_Billings

*Visit "www.us.playstation.com" for more information on the Sony PlayStation 3 Blu-Ray Disc Remote® warranty.