PS3 Reference Tool - DECR-1000A Backside Detailed

190w ago - Sony's PS3, circa E3 2005 - it was great. Dual HDMI outputs, 3X LAN and lots more.

Last week we covered the PS3 DECR-1000A Front, and so today let's take a peek at the backside of Sony's PS3 Reference Tool.

We can cut right to the goodies! Back of the tool: starting on the far right features a power connector to the variable 100-240V PSU, for multi-region support.

Next up is the AV, there is your normal AV MULTI Out for standard composite output. Directly next to that is a TOOL exclusive feature, a DSUB connector for hooking up a VGA monitor directly, instead of using converters (if need be).

Below that are DUAL HDMI outputs, however after SDK version .85 output to the second HDMI connector was disabled - however all the hardware is still functional, so it could be enabled on a whim.

Next to the HDMI outputs is the Optical Output, just like on a PS3, it passes high quality sound to a receiver, not as good as HDMI, but quite well.

Next up - the LAN. Just like the original PS3 plan, the TOOL does feature 3 system RJ-45 Jacks, however the right most two are disabled, although all of the hardware is still intact. The other is used for the system, to access PSN and play online.

However, if you have a wireless connection - you simply plug in the supplied antenna to the ANT port, so you can pick up a signal anywhere. Of note, the Antenna is also used for controller and other Bluetooth perferials, so the controller will not work unless an antenna is connected to that port - the internal shielding is too thick!

Next to last are the analog audio outputs - a feature that is useful for those who prefer analog outputs, I myself prefer to use the HDMI output, but it depends on the decoder that you have.

Finally, the debugging features. The PS3 TOOL features an additional RJ-45 connector for debugging. This allows more in depth system debug, by allowing separate hardware access to the PS3 tool - so if the kernel crashes, debug information can still be exchanged to figure out the reason why.

Behind the cover features a RS-232 port, which is used to view basic system information, like its IP Address, Netmask, Gateway as well as the software version.

As for the vents - the center two blow into the system, while the outer most two vents are connected to plastic channels to guide air away from the CELL and RSX.. more on that next time!