which console do you think is better, Xbox360 or PS3

[taggart6]

My time with MP GOW3 last night reminded me just how solid the live network is compared to PS3.

[commanderkeen]

Something about paying for internet gaming has never really clicked with me. I think it's the paying part, but I could be wrong. Both systems are good, I still kinda like the PS3 paddle compared to the xbox paddle. PS3 for me, it's more of an entertainment system where as the Xbox is a gaming machine (that doesn't out do the PS3 by much if at all).

[taggart6]

Something about paying for internet gaming has never really clicked with me. I think it's the paying part, but I could be wrong. Both systems are good, I still kinda like the PS3 paddle compared to the xbox paddle. PS3 for me, it's more of an entertainment system where as the Xbox is a gaming machine (that doesn't out do the PS3 by much if at all).

My PS3 gets more love because it is a better media system and my family tends to stream video ALOT. I only have the 360 for exclusives.

[Kamakazie]

Aside from BluRay playback, what makes the PS3 a better media system? I ask because I've been using my 360 for streaming video from my PC and Netflix without issue.

[PowerCreep]

So where is the OP? Have you heard enough? Did you make a decision?

+1 to the 360 being a great streaming machine.

[Timman_24]

Aside from BluRay playback, what makes the PS3 a better media system? I ask because I've been using my 360 for streaming video from my PC and Netflix without issue.

I've noticed that the PS3 has better video processing than the 360. I've played some low quality video on both and the PS3 better smooths and denoises the image. I think the 360 doesn't have any processing at all, but I'm not sure about that. You can change the video options on the PS3 to by pass the filters if needed. It's not a massive difference, but noticeable side by side. The PS3 is also capable of 1920x1080 1:1 pixel mapping, which makes upscaling DVDs look better than the 360's. If you have a high end TV set or receiver, then they may already do this for you. The PS3's video processor is better compared to high end graphics cards than other consoles.

The PS3 is the media choice if you want to stream from an internet source (like netflix), but don't want to carry the live cost. Bluray is obvious as well. Now that bluray movies are getting in the 10-15 dollar range, I've picked up a few titles and can definitely tell the difference.

My 360 is an older model (Elite) so it doesn't have wifi, but that's a moot point now.

Saying "aside from bluray", why is the PS3 better is kind of like saying "aside from the gold what makes a gold bar worth so much." The bluray is definitely the main attraction and a must for anyone looking to build a current media center.

[taggart6]

Aside from BluRay playback, what makes the PS3 a better media system? I ask because I've been using my 360 for streaming video from my PC and Netflix without issue.

I find the PS3 XMB to be faster when navigating my media selection and playing video. I also find the over all streaming system to be much more robust and fluid and that's even more true now with PS3 Media Server. I have an older 360 and selecting a video takes more time and the Windows Media Center interface feels clunky and slow. I also prefer the video controls with the PS3 then the 360.

All in all the PS3 feels faster and more fluid when it comes to streaming. This is purely a personal thing so I don't expect others to feel the same way. It really comes down to you preference.

I've noticed that the PS3 has better video processing than the 360. I've played some low quality video on both and the PS3 better smooths and denoises the image. I think the 360 doesn't have any processing at all, but I'm not sure about that. You can change the video options on the PS3 to by pass the filters if needed. It's not a massive difference, but noticeable side by side. The PS3 is also capable of 1920x1080 1:1 pixel mapping, which makes upscaling DVDs look better than the 360's. If you have a high end TV set or receiver, then they may already do this for you. The PS3's video processor is better compared to high end graphics cards than other consoles.

The PS3 is the media choice if you want to stream from an internet source (like netflix), but don't want to carry the live cost. Bluray is obvious as well. Now that bluray movies are getting in the 10-15 dollar range, I've picked up a few titles and can definitely tell the difference.

My 360 is an older model (Elite) so it doesn't have wifi, but that's a moot point now.

Saying "aside from bluray", why is the PS3 better is kind of like saying "aside from the gold what makes a gold bar worth so much." The bluray is definitely the main attraction and a must for anyone looking to build a current media center.

Honestly I rarely use blu-ray and its just a nice feature for the few times I do. For a person that is more concerned with streaming then playing physical media, I'd say the blu-ray player is the silver lining to my already golden bar.

[Kamakazie]

Saying "aside from bluray", why is the PS3 better is kind of like saying "aside from the gold what makes a gold bar worth so much." The bluray is definitely the main attraction and a must for anyone looking to build a current media center.

It was a legitimate question. I've never bothered watching anything on the PS3 that isn't a BluRay because I just use my 360 for it (mainly because I have an actual remote for my 360). I've launched the Netflix app on the PS3 at one point and thought the interface was ugly, so I never looked back! XD

[Timman_24]

It was a legitimate question. I've never bothered watching anything on the PS3 that isn't a BluRay because I just use my 360 for it (mainly because I have an actual remote for my 360). I've launched the Netflix app on the PS3 at one point and thought the interface was ugly, so I never looked back! XD

They redesigned the PS3 netflix app a few months back, so you can give it another go if you haven't. I didn't mean to sound like I was saying your question is dumb, its totally not. It's just that bluray is one of the primary reasons for the PS3's superiority in terms of media.

I've heard something about the PS3, in theory, can decode larger bit streams than the 360 at the limit, but that doesn't really matter for our purposes.

I definitely watch all my DVDs on the ps3. There is a large difference in quality. I remember testing the image quality with The Office and it was night and day. Give it a try and let us know what you think.

This was over a year ago, so I don't know if MS has updated the video features of the 360 through patches.

[Timman_24]

I find the PS3 XMB to be faster when navigating my media selection and playing video. I also find the over all streaming system to be much more robust and fluid and that's even more true now with PS3 Media Server. I have an older 360 and selecting a video takes more time and the Windows Media Center interface feels clunky and slow. I also prefer the video controls with the PS3 then the 360.

All in all the PS3 feels faster and more fluid when it comes to streaming. This is purely a personal thing so I don't expect others to feel the same way. It really comes down to you preference.



Honestly I rarely use blu-ray and its just a nice feature for the few times I do. For a person that is more concerned with streaming then playing physical media, I'd say the blu-ray player is the silver lining to my already golden bar.

I see what you did there.

I do agree that I prefer the PS3's in-video menus more. PS3 Media Server is incredible and very easy to set up. Pick your folders and go.

[Trunks]

I find the PS3 XMB to be faster when navigating my media selection and playing video. I also find the over all streaming system to be much more robust and fluid and that's even more true now with PS3 Media Server. I have an older 360 and selecting a video takes more time and the Windows Media Center interface feels clunky and slow. I also prefer the video controls with the PS3 then the 360.

FYI, you can use PS3 Media Server to stream to an Xbox 360. I use it on my iMac to stream to my 360. Works flawlessly.

[Kamakazie]

I'm using TVersity for my streaming needs. It's pretty clunky, but gets the job done.

I'll need to check out this PS3 Media Server thing. Link?

[Squirrel Meat]

I'm using TVersity for my streaming needs. It's pretty clunky, but gets the job done.

I'll need to check out this PS3 Media Server thing. Link?

I actually bought the full version of tversity when I got my 360 and I couldnt stream any of my high quality blu-ray rips (mkv's) let alone my mp4's. Pissed me off.......Now I just use a media box and all my problems are gone I probably wouldnt have this problem if I had a ps3 but too late now. mabey ill give the ps4 a go if it comes out soon, im getting tired of crappy console graphics.

anyways, to the OP, at this point I would just get whatever is cheaper and what your friends have (if that is a strong selling point, like if you want to be able to play with friends). "Supposedly" the next ps3/360 are on their way next year.

[Snakespy]

Enough with the Blu-Ray topic. That was a good selling part of it years ago, not now. Most people who are interested in it already have it.
As for streaming they both are good. It's easy to say something is better just because you are used to it.
Anyways just wanted to mention Xbox Live Arcade games are also pretty awesome and cheap. Hundreds of fun little games are available at your fingertips.

[kpxgq]

lets say you are a big fan of the COD:MW series... now say that most of your friends plan on getting MW3 for PS3, then most likely you too will get MW3 for PS3... same thing with 360. its not about PS3 or 360 having the better controller or having the better online service.. its really all about what your peers are playing and its vastly different for each person

it really comes down to:
- if you plan on playing multiplayer games, which console do most of your friends play on and do you mind paying $50/yr
- which console has more of the must have exclusives for you

everything else is secondary

its, the same advice i give to people trying to pick a phone.... first see which provider (sprint, tmo, at&t etc) is the best for your budget and location. then pick the best phone for that provider... it doesnt matter if you have 'X' phone but its tied to 'Y' carrier and that carrier has horrible reception in your area.