Yes PS3 may need current updates to play some games, but they all can play any title when they are equipped the same. ( HDTVs, Headphones, Move Bundles, 3D HDTVs, ETC)
The PS3 was designed for HDTVs and only works on a standard 480i TV. It does not give you the performance of the PS3 on a HDTV with 1080p and now the top 3D HDTVs offer the best video capability. That's why the is now an optional 3D display screen for the PS3 at $500
No, you don't need a HDMI cable for your PS3. this feature is optional. What it does is it increases the resolution of your PS3 meaning you get better graphics. The HDMI cable allows the the HDTV and the PS3 to sync and also provides a single plug hookup with the PS3. The higher resolution can also be achieved with the purchase of a Component AV cable for the PS3 from stores like target.com for HDTVs that do not have a HDMI connection. Only the supplied PS3 cable with only 3 RCA type plugs would have decreased resolution on a HDTV, but for non HDTVs it's the only connection with the PS3 that's I know of that's possible. see accessories for the PS3 in the related link
The one that comes with the PS3 is called the A/V cable an optional cable for this purpose is the HDMI cable and is used for for 1080p HDTVs
If your TV is an HDTV with HDMI connection it is foolish not to spend the money to purchase and use the cable. The cheapest games are more than the cost of the cable and you would get much more from the system. It is what the PS3 was designed and the games it plays was designed for. The prices for HDTVs are low and you will be able to tell the difference if you upgrade your TV, but when you already have an HDTV you really need to add the HDMI cable. Of course a HDMI plug is for HDTVS and not Standard 480i TVs and the standard A/V cable that comes with a PS3 will work with the HDTV, just not with the same results.
3D games only play with 3D effects on 3D HDTVs
Even the PS3 was 3D after it has the latest updates and is also connected to a 3D HDTV. Most HDTVs top models are released with 3D capability and so is the PS4 if it is connected to one of the 3D HDTVs otherwise it is limited by what you have connected it to.
no you do not have to have an hdmi for ps3 but i would recommend it to play your games in hd because hdmi stands for hi-definition multimedia interface. The HDMI cable is for the PS3 to connect to HDTVs and is not needed for standard TVs which do not even have HDMI inputs. If your TV has HDMI inputs you need to purchase a HDMI cable before you spend your money on a new game, Movie, download or anything else because it is not giving you a picture from the PS3 in HD
The efficiency of LED HDTVs are that the light source will never go out or fade like LCD televisions. They do not need replacing and the TV will be as bright as ever.
You can not have a HDMI Cable and a A/V cable connected at the same time on a PS3. Only one spot exists to plug it in at the back of the PS3. If you do not use the A/V cable the came with the PS3 there are optional S video Cables and also Optional Component Cables that can be used for HDTVs besides using a HDMI cable
If you want to use the A/V cable that comes with the PS3 plug one end into the PS3 and the other end with the 3 RCA color coded plugs into any TV inputs with matching colors on the back of your TV. HDMI cables for HDTVs just have to be plugged into the HDTV and PS3.
No because even though it can do it's part if it has the latest PS3 updates you need a 3D HDTV to get the 3D picture and it must be connected to the 3D HDTV with a HDMI cable and not the A/V cable that came with the PS3 for Standard 480i TV. Most 3D HDTVs also require that you buy and wear special glasses