few newbie qs? before cfw flash

[geekyhawkes]

Hey guys, so I've just received my ps3 fat off eBay running 3.55 official fw and looking for some advice on which cfw and if order of upgrades etc matters.

I'm going to use the ps3 to replace my mythbuntu media center, myth is great but too complicated and takes ages to keep on top of the configuration. I have ordered a 750gb hdd for the ps3 and a playtv so all in should be a nice solution.

I want the "best" cfw for playing backups off the hdd and handling media. Do any of the cfw or showtime add support for extra video file types? I know fat32 is limited to 4gb but the guides on mkv2vob are great, its avi etc I'm wondering about.

Can cfw be connected to lovefilm/internet or will it always be trying to go to sonys latest fw? I know I can't play online with cfw, but as I said the focus is media handling with gaming.

Do I still need to register for divx to work in cfw?

Finally, can I get updating the cfw now while I'm waiting for the hdd to arrive, or am I better to wait and do it all in one go?

I'm thinking of running ps3ultimate cfw as reading around it seems to suit my needs, but happy to take any suggestions really.

Thanks for your help,

Andy

[The Central Scrutinizer]

the custom firmware is your choice. I would recommend NFW as that is more suited for you. You do not need any additional updates, where games are concerned but would need to patch certain games that require higher firmware. You do not need to register for any divx compliant movies, as Custom firmware has the ability to remove CINAVIA protection. You can install custom firmware no problems. I do suggest you wait for your HDD to arrive and then install custom firmware. You cannot connect custom firmware to lovefilm or the internet as Sony may have a chance of detecting and possibility of banning your console. Bare in mind that you cannot access the PSN as well. Hope that clears everything out.

[Greg0u812]

If your focus is on media handling and offline gaming then you shouldn't be worried about getting your console banned.
I wouldn't worry at all about hooking it up to the net if you aren't planning on getting on PSN in the future.

I have an Xbox, 360, PS3, PSP, and a Wii.
All connect to the net regularly.
I don't use a single one for playing games online.

[geekyhawkes]

Thanks for the replies, has anyone managed to get squeezebox server running on ps3? If not think it might be time to sell my squeezebox and look at another solution for multi room audio.

Can i ask why nfw and not ultimate?

Think I have most of the answers I need, just need the playtv and hdd to arrive now!

[The Central Scrutinizer]

Why NFW?

Because its newbie friendly. That's why. Hope that clears everything out.

[geekyhawkes]

Perfect thanks, I take it its just the pup file I'm after, and as long as I go via recovery mode I can switch between cfw?