Networking and Multimedia Capabilities

In addition to being fun, powerful gaming machines, each of the current-gen consoles are also quite capable on the networking and multimedia front.

Whichever consoles you have, you should consider getting a broadband Internet connection if you don't have one already. A fast connection will allow you to take advantage of the console's cool online capabilities.

Below, we'll take a quick look at the features and abilities of each console, as well as useful add-ons and accessories.

PS3
The PS3 has some cool online features via its free Playstation Network.

• You can —
  • enjoy multiplayer game play with some PS3 games.
  • download paid content from the PlayStation® Store, such as PS1 games or new PS3 games, and free content like trailers and demos.
  • surf the Internet using a built-in NetFront web browser.
  • chat with friends. Video chat using Sony's PlayStation Eye webcam, voice chat using compatible Bluetooth® headsets, or text chat using a Bluetooth keyboard.
• The PS3 is a DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) player that can stream video and music from a DLNA server, such as a computer with Windows Media Player 11.
• A USB input allows you to connect a media player and listen to music, or a camera to view photos.
• Older 60GB and 80GB versions includes a 5-in-1 memory card slot that allows you to listen to music and view photos stored on a Memory Stick®, Compact Flash, SD™, or MMC card. Newer 80GB and 160GB models do not have this capability.
• All versions of the PS3 have both an Ethernet port and built-in Wi-Fi, for an easy connection to both wired and wireless networks.

Xbox 360
Microsoft's Xbox LIVE® is the central hub of all of the 360's online action, and the online capabilities it offers are pretty extensive.

• You can —
  • enjoy multiplayer game play with most 360 games (with an Xbox LIVE Gold subscription).
  • download free content, like game demos and movie trailers.
  • download paid content. You can purchase games, as well as TV shows from numerous networks (like NBC, Spike, and Cartoon Network), some of which are available in HD. You can also rent standard-def and high-def movies.
  • stream movies from your Netflix® instant queue (Netflix and Xbox LIVE Gold memberships required).
  • chat with friends. Video chat and send pictures with the optional add-on webcam, text chat, or just voice chat using Xbox LIVE headsets.
• If you have a PC with Windows Media Player 11, you can access your library and playlists to stream music, watch HD video, and view photos that are stored on your computer in your home theater room. (There's also software available to stream content from Macs.) The 360 can also be used as a Media Center Extender with PCs that have Windows Media Center.
• A USB input lets you hook up a media player to listen to music, or a camera to view photos.
• The Xbox 360 has a built-in Ethernet port for making a connection to wired networks. However, it does not include Wi-Fi, so connecting the 360 to a wireless network requires an optional wireless adapter.

Wii
The Wii takes a unique tack with online interactivity.

• You can —
  • buy "retro" games from the NES, SNES, TurboGrafx16, and more.
  • tune into the Wii's news and weather "channels" for up-to-date info.
  • surf the Internet on the Opera browser.
  • share photos and message friends.
• View, save, and edit photos, as well as listen to your own music in a customized slideshow, if you load up an SD card with pictures and songs and insert it into the built-in slot.
• The Wii has built-in Wi-Fi, but does not have an Ethernet port. Connecting the Wii to a wired network requires an optional USB adapter (available from Nintendo).