Playstation Network keeps signing me out

I can't login to the Playstation Network!
10 Steps to access PSN if 8002A402 isn't the problem.

Until recently, being able to connect to the PlayStation Network has been has been a doddle, literally plug and play. Within the last two weeks something changed no idea what or why but I was getting logged out of the Playstation Network finding it difficult to login to the Playstation Network on my first attempt and I received more than my fair share of Playstation Network error messages, or rather, codes. As I hadn’t touched any settings I thought it was a Sony issue something relating to 8002A402.

Two weeks later I became suspcious and decided to roll up my sleeves to see if I could work out what was going wrong. I managed to fix my Playstation Network problem by tweaking my router settings within five minutes. Since making the changes I haven’t been kicked off the Playstation Network once and when I do sign out reconnection is super quick.

I run a BT Homehub router. Sure, it’s not the best experience in the world, but it's acceptable.

This fix should work for all routers but I can’t guarantee it.

1. You need to bring up your router web page, try for example: 192.168.1.1 or http://bthomehub.home/ you'll also need to enter a password, try admin if you haven't configured one yet, if you get stuck here, you'll need to contact your router supplier and/or ISP.

2. Find a section entitled Application Sharing on other routers it might be Application and Gaming.

3. Now you need to add a device. There should be an option for PlayStation 3, if not I suggest you download the firmware or get a newer router ;-) You can also specify you're own name and you should be able to find the Mac address and link it up that way if necessary.

4. On the BT router web page you know you’re around the right area as you’ll see a message, “A game or application is made up of one or more TCP/UDP port ranges. Each incoming port range can be translated into a different internal (home network) port range. Port ranges can be statically assigned to devices or dynamically assigned using an outgoing trigger.”

5. On the BT router web page you should see a header row; protocol, port range, translate to trigger protocol and trigger port with some blank fields, ignore them and just press the add button 8 times. Then make four of them TCP and the other four UDP; both protocol and trigger protocol. That’s the prep work out of the way.

6. Now we need to open some specific ports.

7. In the ‘port range’ and the ‘translate to’ fields (there are two fields for each option) you need to specify the same values for both the fields. For example if I said port 1 then you would specify 1 in first field, 1 in the second field (that’s port range done) and then same for translate to, 1 in first field 1 in second field – easy eh.

8. So now, add these numbers to TCP fields:

TCP 1 = 80 (you’ll have four 80s)
TCP 2 = 443
TCP 3 = 5223

The fourth one is a little tricker you need to specify start and end for example if I said port 1 and port 2 you would specify 1 in the first field for port range 2 in the second field for port range and you would replicate this for translate to that is 1 in the first field and 2 in the second field.
TCP 4 = 10070 (first field) 10080 (second field) port range and 10070 (first field) 10080 (second field) for translate to.

9. The same principals apply to UDP, so here we go again:

UDP 1 = 3478
UDP 2 = 3479
UDP 3 = 3658

And now the final port 10070 – 10080 (as per TCP above)

UDP 4 = 10070 (first field) 10080 (second field) port range and 10070 (first field) 10080 (second field) for translate to.

Almost done.

10. Now press apply. Restart your hub if you need to. Go to PS3 and ‘Test internet’ make sure everything reads positive and you should be good to go! If not, make sure your hub is working. Make sure you're able to access the internet. Restart your PS3 and then try again.

If this solution doesn’t work then you’ll need to try wiring your modem directly to the PS3 and see if that helps, if it does you’ve whittled it down to being a wireless problem. If it doesn’t then who knows!

Please visit the sponsor ads via Google ad words if you felt that this write up was helpful, please post comments if you’re able to advise others on technical issues.

DJ Privatus joins Techno Clubhouse | London | UK in PS3 Home

It's with great excitement that I proudly welcome DJ, remixer and promoter DJ Privatus to the London, UK Techno Clubhouse in PS3 Home.

Trance DJ Privatus is resident at 'The Arches' nightclub in Glasgow. DJ Privatus is known for having reworked hits SexyFuck, Parade and Tubular Bells. Listen out for more great reworks in 2009.

DJ Privatus delivers exciting pulsating eclectic-trance-genre driven sets that never fail to seduce the ear and elevate the mood. Want to listen? Tune in!

Every Wednesday DJ Privatus hosts a Trance set on Trance FM. Access previously recorded Trance FM shows mixed by DJ Privatus.

If you're a DJ, Remixer, Promoter or avid techno fan, then learn how you can access the London UK, Techno Clubhouse in PS3 Home

Further DJ Privatus links are provided below:

• DJ Privatus official MySpace page
• DJ Privatus official Bebo page
  

What PS3 games should I buy for my Playstation 3?

What PS3 games should I buy for my Playstation 3 console?

For those lucky enough to have received a Playstation 3 console for Christmas here's some advice on what PS3 games to buy and what not to buy for your brand new Playstation 3.

One of the biggest disappointments with the PS3 is good quality games, this is because a lot of the games are ported from inferior platforms like the XBOX 360 or PC pre 2006. So let me pave the way to help you make the right choice and get the best possible experience, from your hard-earned cash.

The smartest money is on old exclusive PS3 games. There are already a number of P3 games that excel in terms of quality and game-play that can be purchased for less than £20.00. These games include:

• Uncharted: Drakes Fortune - Platinum
• Heavenly Sword - Platinum
• Motorstorm - Platinum
• Resistance: Fall of Man - Platinum
• Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction - Platinum

Next, think about buying recent exclusive PS3 games:

• Little Big Planet
• Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
• Motorstorm: Pacific Rift
• Resistance 2
• Sing Star Volume 1: Next Gen - Solus
• Sing Star Next Gen with 2 Microphones
• Sing Star Volume 2
• Sing Star Volume 3
• Sing Star ABBA

Some software houses know exactly how to port a game to multiple platforms, and whilst you won't get the full benefits of the Playstation 3 experience you'll still have a great time playing these PS3 games:

• Bioshock
• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Game of the Year Edition)
• Call of Duty 5: World at War
• Dead Space
• Fallout 3
• Fallout 3 UK Collectors Edition
• Guitar Hero: World Tour - Band Bundle
• Guitar Hero World Tour - Solus

The Playstation 3 hasn't yet proven to be a gaming console for children - and this is reflected in the lack of decent PS3 games for anyone under 15. Here's a quick round up of the best P3 games for kids available today.

• Disney's Bolt (E)
• Disney Sing It wIth Microphone (3+)
• Disney Sing It - Game Only (3+)
• Lego: Indiana Jones (U)
• Pure (3+)
• Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction - Platinum (7+)
• SEGA Superstars Tennis (7+)
• Spider-Man: Web of Shadows (12+)

Put some money aside for these PS3 games in 2009:

• Call of Duty - Modern Warfare 2
• Fear 2: Project Origin
• Guitar Hero - Metallica: Ride the Lightning
• Heavy Rain (PS3 Exclusive)
• Killzone 2 (PS3 Exclusive)

What's the difference between?
Before you plow all your money into one franchise, here's some advice on which title to go for when manufacturer's are competing for your cash:

Rock Band 2 Vs Guitar Hero World Tour
Buy Guitar Hero: World Tour, the peripherals like the drums, guitars and microphone are much better quality, what's more if you buy Rock Band 2 SOLO edition (just the game) you can use the GHWT controllers on that game too. Encore!

Pro Evo 2009 Vs Fifa 09
Buy FIFA 09, it's come come a long way-away-away and more and more gamers are finding Fifa is the preferred football game. With better graphics, better commentary and an amazing redefined game engine, Fifa really has scored a hatrick.

Avoid these PS3 Games at all costs!
Finally, here's a list of PS3 games that you must avoid no matter how tempting the 'special price is'. Remember it's better to pay £39.99 for a PS3 game that you're going to get 100+ hours of enjoyment, than be seduced by a low price that's only going to get a couple of hours of play.

• Beijing 2008
• Ferrari Challenge: Trofeo Pirelli
• Kane & Lynch: Dead Men
• Lost Planet: Extreme Condition
• Need For Speed: Undercover
• Shaun White Snowboarding
• Sonic The Hedgehog
• The Club
• Turok

HOME Open Beta 1.05 update on Playstation 3

HOME sees another patch update today to HOME Open Beta 1.05 on the Playstation 3 on Monday 22nd December.

The HOME 1.05 update sees the reintroduction of voice chat, but this will be limited to your personal space such as your apartment and your clubhouse.

If you need to converse with someone specifically, then the option to speak to them via the phone is still available.

At first it was considered that Sony had to pull the voice chat due to network congestion, but as time passes, it seems more likely that Sony have pulled the voice chat due to users verbally abusing one another or playing loud music down the pipe.

It only takes one to ruin it for the rest of us and as HOME is awash with self-centered attention seekers, there were plenty of 'ones' that took the opportunity.

Techno Clubhouse | London | UK in HOME on the PS3

I've opened a Techno Clubhouse on Playstation 3 HOME Open Beta.

This is a VIP club to discuss, network, share creativity and express passion for music.

The type of people this club is open to includes:

• DJs
• Producers
• Club Promoters
• Music Bloggers

To be considered for the Techno Clubhouse, In London, UK, you need to write a letter of application. You can do this via HOME itself (search for my club) or the preferred option is by posting a comment here. The stronger your application, the better the chance that you will be accepted.

When submitting your application you'll need to include:

• Gender
• Age
• Affiliation with industry (what do you do in the music scene?) *
• Your favourite artists / genres
• A paragraph stating why you should be considered
  
• Whether or not you're interested in being a sub leader for the club

* If appropriate include a link to your blog, DJ set or music you've produced.

I will review all applications through out the year. If you're successful you will be added to the club immediately. Space is limited to 30 positions; 15 male, 15 female. Capacity may increase in the future.

I reserve the right to ban anyone from the club who doesn't respect / follow the rules or harasses other members of the club. This club is for the collective enjoyment of all members and not just a select few.

As HOME is still an Open Beta, patience will be required as I refurbish and introduce new components as and when they are released.

I'm learning to produce using Logic and every waking moment involves music in my life whether it's listening, dancing or producing. I have many favourite artists and an eclectic taste for sub genres including, hard, minimal, glitch. I enjoy the works of Richie Hawtin, most artists on the 'WARP' label and underground abstract beats and sounds.

I look forward to welcoming you to the Techno Clubhouse, London, UK in HOME on the PS3 in 2009.

HOME furniture disappearing from HOME apartments and clubs on PS3

The disappearance of HOME furniture has been reported by many users, with rumors a gang of thiefs are exploiting well furnished residencies throughout the HOME community.

I have two apartments, lovingly maintained and both have been burgled. On occasions it's just simple items like lights, but sometimes large plants are taken, further reinforcing that it's a well organized criminal network that is taking advantage of peoples' new dwellings.

But seriously.

It's unknown what's causing the issue, there have been reports that if you leave your lights off, your furniture doesn't disappear. This is an interesting theory, and although untested it's possibly true. I've installed many lights in both my apartments, so many I get a warning telling me so. This glitch is possibly a combination of too many objects / resources allocated to one person causing items to disappear.

Whatever is causing it, it's really frustrating. Just as you stand back admiring your perfectly positioned furnishings, you revisit at a later date and half of your items have disappeared.

I've now given up furnishing my apartments and won't purchase any new furniture until this glitch has been patched.

HOME Open Beta v1.04 update on Playstation 3

Home Open Beta has recently been up ... I mean downgraded on the PS3. In an effort to improve network / server congestion the HOME Open Beta v1.04 update (downdate?) sees the temporary removal of voice chat, however 'phone a friend' still works.

Voice issues aside, finally, we can all rejoice, as we're all able to log in any day, any time without the dreaded C-931 error message.

Now we've made our way through the front door, there are more problems to contend with, after having noticed rewards have vanished.

Rewards for the uninitiated are prizes within HOME Open Beta that you achieve by completing a challenge. For example play the Ice Breaker arcade and one of the rewards you'll win is a hat with the Penguin Motif. It's not a great loss, as it should never leave your wardrobe, but the fact that these rewards have been snatched back is somewhat disappointing. I'm especially missing those Echochrome shoes that make robot dancing so painless.

Sony has announced that vanishing rewards is a temporary issue too and all rewards will be reinstated as part of a new update.

HOME Killed Bill's first impressions

HOME has all the potential to be a Playstation 3 killer title.

For the most part even in Open Beta, HOME does its job. It allows people to connect, to share, to express, to play, to have fun to meet AND robot dance, whilst building a network, sharing thoughts, views and love of games with each other.

HOME Open Beta doesn't address anonymity as men and boys toy with cross-dressing and calling themselves Lusty Lucy, and the fact that conversations rarely go three levels deep, i.e. how old are you, where you from, what games do you like? Conversations that do have the potential to go a little deeper are possible, with the right people you just have to find them, but, even then, without a keyboard it take hours of '...' watching to get a decent rapport.

Once Sony have fixed a few bugs, introduced more rewards, more shops, more interactive items, new 'islands' to explore, better integration with messaging and adding friends as well as setting up the ability to launch games directly from HOME, Sony will be on the right path to bring HOME, home.

HOME Open Beta error codes C-931 , C-991 & 603 for PS3

At first I was disappointed I wasn't getting any HOME Open Beta error codes for the Playstation 3, I felt excluded! But then realised, it was because I was still outside looking in.

You won't find HOME for the PS3 in the store, nor will you find your PS3 forcing you to download another PS3 firmware update and if you leave your PS3 on all the time, HOME won't even appear under your Playstation Network account.

HOME loads the initial install file sneakily in the background; like a sad lonely application that's escaped from the playstation store. It only welcomes you in once you've turned off and turned on the PS3. Took me two nights of asking the heavens why I wasn't one of the lucky ones to be part of the Open Beta for HOME. Turns out, we're all invited. Just reboot and check the Playstation Network in the Playstation Cross Media bar as that is where HOME Open beta for the PS3 resides.

And then once you've agreed to the pages and pages of terms and conditions, and you're just about to enter this magical world, the climax is deadened by a swift C-931 error code that only CP30 would understand. What is it with those darn cryptic error codes, can't Sony afford the ink during credit crunch?!

So here's my attempt at letting you know what the error codes are for the HOME Open Beta for Playstation 3.

C-931 error code for the Playstation 3 - The connection to the server was lost
Too many people are already in HOME and too many people are trying to get in. Wait for someone to throw you the front door key when they're off to the pub.

C-991 - The connection to the server was almost made, but not quite sunshine
You've got the key and it's in the lock, but the damn thing won't turn.. try again or just wait for someone to give you another key - hopefully next time the one to the front door!

-603 - Server error: Session has timed out or does not exist
There's a house party - but you're definitely not invited. Hey... isn't the bathroom window open, maybe, just maybe you could...

Well folks, the front door at my HOME seems to be well and truly C-931ed! If I discover more HOME Open Beta error codes like C-931, C-991 and -603 between now and the HOME official launch, I'll post them here, meanwhile keep pressing the buzzer someone might answer, eventually...

Sony PS3 latest update 2.53 firmware for system software

An update to the PS3 system software was released on December 2, 2008. If you update your PS3 system, the system software version will be 2.53 and the following features will be updated.

Main features in system software update version 2.53

• The full-screen mode setting in Flash Player is now supported in the Internet Browser