Importing European PS3

[katharsis]

So since I am going to a trip to Germany later this year I have been thinking about buying a PS3 over there to bring back for all Euro Blu-ray releases.
My main concern is the power supply as Germany uses 220-240 Watts and we in the US of course only 110-120.
Does anyone have experience how to make this work with some kind of switch or mini generator or whatever it's called??
It would be sweet if this should work

[Blu-Style]

Hi,

Yes, If you are in Germany already, you can buy a US voltage converter.
(not sure if this is the right term in eglish )

you should get it in any electronic store.
Even Amazon has it.

It´s no problem, probably also available in the US.

[richieb1971]

PS3's have an internal power supply which are universal. You just change the 3 pin plug that you get with the German machine and switch it for a 110v 3 pin cable in the USA. Thats it.

Sony have done this since the slim ps2 came out. So basically, just plug it in and off you go.

The only thing to worry about, is if Sony have changed this since launch machines came out. I mean they could be complete *******s and change the internal PSU at any time and BOOM! You'll be the first culprit. As far as I know though, everyone I know with a USA machine in the UK uses a UK cable with it and it works. Which would mean, it should work the other way too.

If you really insist on the getting a transformer, they are called Stepdown transformers in Europe.. This allows USA/JP machines to be used in Europe which are 220v outlets. If you take your Euro PS3 to the USA, you would use a StepUP transformer, since the machine is expecting 220v and you have outlets which output 110v.

Bear in mind, PS3's use up to the 350watts. Thats a big brick transformer, it will be as big as a shoe box and weigh a ton.

[katharsis]

Thanks for the feedback guys!
Not in Germany, yet... June/July I will be there. I will try and do a little more research to check if will work just with switching the cables. That would be sweet! If I really need one of those upconverters I am not sure if it will be worth it, that things gotta cost quite a bit.
Anyways, hope the exchange rate will go down until we go

If anyone reading this has tried to use a European PS3 in the US, please let me know... Thanks!

[Mermen79]

Originally Posted by katharsis

Thanks for the feedback guys!
Not in Germany, yet... June/July I will be there. I will try and do a little more research to check if will work just with switching the cables. That would be sweet! If I really need one of those upconverters I am not sure if it will be worth it, that things gotta cost quite a bit.
Anyways, hope the exchange rate will go down until we go

If anyone reading this has tried to use a European PS3 in the US, please let me know... Thanks!

You probably won't find anyone else but me in this situation. It WILL work in the US without a step down up/down converter. You need the US 3-prong kettle cord, that's all.

[scragham]

been using a HK 220V one without a converter. the ps3 has a universal power supply.

[katharsis]

Thanks! Awesome, this is really great news!

Now like I said I'll keep an eye on the exchange rate and should do my homework to see which releases are most likely not going to make it to Blu-ray over here (for at least some time).
Do you know any good sites / stores to check for good pricing, besides Amazon and Play ?

[tarik]

nah they havent changed the internal step down since release so u dont need any transformers or anything like that, a new cable will do for u!

[Mermen79]

With the way the US dollar is heading, I don't think you will find the purchase that worth it to be honest. At the moment, the 40GB is going to cost you over $600. Since the USD is dropping everyday, who knows how much more expensive it can get.

I really hate the exchange rates. Is the US starting a recession?

[katharsis]

I think the recession is already in full progress... really blows!
1 Euro is already $1.54
Remember the time when they said that the exchange rate was going to be 1:1 LOL!!!

We'll see, I am going to make a list of films in the next 2 weeks to figure if it will be worth it (has at least to be 30-40 movies that are currently not available in the US and another 20 announced until the end of summer to make it worth it)
If the list should show some titles that I really want, I might have some family members just pick me up one now, rather than waiting and seeing it get more expensive on a daily basis.

[nick_wz]

hi guys...
i'm kind of desperate..i came to the us to study in january from italy and brought my italian ps3(first version) here, but it's not working!
i tried just plugging in a us power chord, i bought several adaptors and finally a power converter from radio shack.
the first times without converter i had no response from my ps3, now when i plug it in with the converter from 110to220 the red led turns on, but by the time i touch the front power button it turns green just for 2 seconds and then back to red.
the ps has always worked since i had it(march2007) and never had problems...

i don't really know what to think now..
i'll appreciate if someone could help me out!

thanks...

[Mermen79]

^ Your English is great for an Italian.

It's strange that it doesn't work. It should be just fine with a kettle cord. As far as I know, all current PS3 models support universal voltage.

You shouldn't need a step-up convertor. Try using another kettle cord. If that still doesn't work, there might be something wrong with the PS3...

Also, since the US Dollar is so weak, you can pick up an American PS3 for a great, great deal. Might be worth it if you plan to purchase BD's.

[nick_wz]

thx for the answer! I'm trying to improve my english! thank you.. i think something's wrong with my ps3... damn
but i'll try another convrter..the one from radio shack provides power up to 40W but the ps3 needs like 350W!!! the guy in the shop sold me the wrong one..
if it doesn't work with the new one i'll be screwed

btw how do u write screwed?

cya