*Bluetooth Headset Guide- Update 1/8/08

tlogic

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Found this on another webiste, thought this might come in handy for ps3 users.


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Bluetooth Headset Setup Guide for PLAYSTATION 3


This is version 2.0 of this guide. All the information included is current to Firmware 2.1.


Contents:

1. Compatibility

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Bluetooth Headsets
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USB Headsets
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Not Compatible with Bluetooth Stereo Headphones

2. Setup

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Charging and Pairing a Bluetooth Headset
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Connect a USB (wired) Headset
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Mic Test and Volume Setting
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Other Settings
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Helpful Links

3. Troubleshooting

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General Troubleshooting
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Problems When Changing Games/Maps/Servers
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Noise or Feedback
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Pairing Problems
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Voice Chat Drops
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Controller Interference
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Playstation 3 Links and Customer Support

4. Game Specific Information

5. Brand and Model Listing
1. Compatibility

he PS3 supports only one headset at a time. Multiple players on the same console will have to share.

Bluetooth:

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The PS3 uses Bluetooth version 2.0, and is compatible with all earlier versions.
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All makes and brands of Bluetooth headset should work with the PS3.

USB:

USB (wired) Headsets can also be used with the PS3.

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Any of the PS2 compatible USB headsets should work with PS3 games.
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USB headsets are required for PS2 software used on the PS3.

Not Compatible with Bluetooth Stereo Headphones:

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The Bluetooth audio signal for PS3 only carries voice chat. The game sounds and music are played through your TV or stereo receiver only.
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If you want to listen to the gameplay with headphones then they will have to be compatible with your TV or stereo receiver.

2. Setup

A Bluetooth headset has to be registered, or "paired", with your PS3 before it can be used.

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Make sure your Bluetooth headset is fully charged before you begin.
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Check your headset instructions for entering "pairing mode". Activate your headsets' "pairing mode" so it can be recognized by the PS3.
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On the Cross Media Bar (or XMB) of the PS3 go to the "Settings" tab, then down into "Accessory Settings", then down into "Register Bluetooth Device".
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With your headset in pairing mode, follow the onscreen instructions and let the PS3 scan for your headset. When your headset is found, follow the prompts and enter a pass key (if necessary- the default is usually 0000 for all brands). The pairing should now be complete.

If you're using a USB (wired) headset, just plug it into one of the ports on the front of the PS3 (the system should auto-detect a USB headset).

After pairing a Bluetooth headset, or after plugging in a USB (wired) headset, return to the XMB. Go to "Accessory Settings" and choose "Audio Device Settings".

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Your headset should appear as the audio input/output device. If not, just use the D-pad to highlight the Input line, then scroll until you see yours. Any microphone you have used with your PS3 will be listed, but only the current one will be available to select.
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Set the "Microphone Level" to 4. You can change the level any time if needed.
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Speak into the headset, and the level bar at the top of the screen should move at the sound of your voice.

There are other ways to configure the audio input and output that can be useful:

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Set the input to (your mic) and leave the output on (default)- one person can chat with the other players, and the replys will play over your TV speakers rather than into your mic. Great when sharing one console because everyone can hear the team talk.
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Set the input and output to (default)- you will hear the game sound and voice chat through your TV speakers but won't be able to talk back. Great if you don't have a headset, or if you want the room to hear the team chat.
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Set the output to (default) to use stereo headphones with your TV or receiver. Then set the input to (your mic) and you can chat while wearing stereo headphones. Keeping the mic close to your face could be a problem since both ears are already taken! You could try a USB desktop mic and see if that works. I will add info on that as it comes in.

For more help you can try these links:

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Playstation 3 Users Guide- http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/index.html

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Step by step picture giude

3. Troubleshooting
General:

If you are having trouble with a headset after it is paired with the PS3, there are a few things to check first:

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Make sure your headset battery is charged and working. Be aware that some brands/models will need to be paired again after each recharge. It's not a problem, it's just the way those models work.
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The headset should be set as the input/output device from the XMB.
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For Bluetooth users, make sure there are no other Bluetooth devices in use near your PS3. Also try to eliminate any other radio frequency interference if possible.
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For USB users, make sure the connection is secure and there are no wire breaks.
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Update your console to the current available firmware.

Problems When Changing Games/Maps/Servers:

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When you start another round, a new game, or change maps, the headset suddenly no longer works. You'll know because the voices start playing through your TV speakers. This is usually just a connection loss, like a phone call hanging up. Tap the "call button" on your BT headset and it should re-connect.

Noise or Feedback:

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A screeching noise when you talk you are experiencing feedback. Turning your TV down should help.
* Lowering the headset volume can also help. Go to Accessory Settings/ Audio Device Settings (where you test your headset) and you can set the mic volume there. Level 3 is a good start. If people have trouble hearing you then you should raise to Level 4 or Level 5.
* If you hear an echo when you talk try turning the earpiece volume down on the headset. Many BT headsets have their own volume control.

Pairing Problems:

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If the PS3 cannot locate your headset, make sure that your headset is in pairing mode before you start scanning. The headset instructions will tell you how to set yours to pairing mode.
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If your headset is missing from the device menu after you re-start your PS3, you will have to pair again. Many headsets will only "remember" one device at a time, so you may have to register again after using your headset with a phone.
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If your headset appears on the Audio Device menu but is "grayed out" or not selectable, it is not connected. Make sure the headset is charged, and that it is on in standby. I should connect automatically when the Audio Device menu is selected. Tap the call button on the headset if it does not connect, or click on the Connect Bluetooth tab on screen.
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Make sure no other Bluetooth devices are in use nearby.

Voice Chat Drops:

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Most in-game voice chat drops are simply network lag. Usually they go away after a short time, so be patient. In extreme cases you may have to leave a game and return to reset the chat function.
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If you use wireless internet, a low signal strength can make voice chat malfunction. Make sure your wireless signal is as strong as possible to your access point.
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Sometimes a headset will quit after changing discs to another game. Go to accessories and select your headset again.
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Make sure no other Bluetooth devices are in use nearby.

Headset-Controller Interference:

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If your controller loses contact every time you turn on your headset, they might be interfering with each other. Changing the controller port assignment might help. To change the controller port assignment, hold down the PS button while in game. The settings screen that comes up will give you the option to change the controller port. This will have to be set each time you restart your PS3.
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And, as always, make sure no other Bluetooth devices are in use nearby.

Playstation 3 Links and Customer Support:

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Playstation 3 Support Page- all the official manuals and tips in one place. You can also contact customer support via email from this page.

4. Game Specific Infomation


Call Of Duty 4

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COD4 uses open mic, meaning you just have to turn your mic on and talk.
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You'll know if the game recognizes your mic in the online lobby. There is an icon next players that have a mic, and the icon lights up when someone speaks.
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*Open Mic Etiquette* Every sound you make is going out on the mic so try to be polite. Chewing gum or eating is a bad idea with open mic games. If the sound from your TV is activating your mic then turn your TV down.


Warhawk

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Hold L3 to talk. You will hear a sound when the mic opens, and the small icon next to your name in the upper left will light. You also hear a sound when the mic closes. When a teammate speaks, an icon will light next to their player name, above their avatars head.
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When another game starts, or when the maps change, your mic might disconnect. Tap the "call button" when the next game starts and it should work fine.
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The retail version comes with a Jabra BT125 headset. I recommend this package because of the good value, and the quality of the game and the headset. The BT125 has the best feedback on the list below, and apparently Sony thought the same.


Resistance: Fall of Man

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There is a new update (3/20/07) that may address mic problems. They have fixed a bug that made the voice chat degrade during a long game. Check the R:FoM board for the full details.
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The first patch has changed the voice function. Now press L3 to talk in lobby and in game. If you used the "Form Party" option, the mic is open to those in your Party. You must press L3 to talk to everyone else.

Fight Night Round 3 (PS3)- Uses an open mic, just talk no button press.

G R A W 2

Madden NFL '08-

Madden NFL '07-

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Voice chat works in-game only. There is no voice chat in the pre/post game lobbies.
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There is a "mute" key built in the controls. L3 will mute your headset. If the screen icon is red then your mute is on and you can't talk. If your icon is green then you're good to go.



MotorStorm-

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Mics are "open" meaning you don't have to press a button, just talk.
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Seems like only 2 people can talk at once, so be patient.
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If the server detects lag/latency the mics are suspended temporarily (your icon should turn red?) to keep the game running smooth.

NBA 2K8- Full voice support.

NHL 08

NHL 2K8

Rainbow Six: Vegas

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There have been reports of BT headsets causing controller interference and game lag during online play. This is apparently a software problem that Ubisoft is working on, so be patient and try switching to a USB headset if you have one. Hope the patch comes soon. (thanks, redeagle28)

SOCOM (PS2)- SOCOM games will not work with your Bluetooth headset. You can still use a USB mic for SOCOM games.

Tiger Woods 2008-

Tiger Woods 2007 (PS3)- Voice chat works best if you have your mic on before starting the game.


Games without voice chat online:

Armored Core 4
Blazing Angels
Call of Duty 3
F.E.A.R.Formula 1: CE
Full Auto 2: Battlelines
Ridge Racer 7

Remember: Any Bluetooth headset should work.
 
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