My PS3 runs pretty warm (and a bit loud..)

Can someone let me know if I should investigate my problem more? I don't play any ps3 games (yet), but I use it to watch movies. I've noticed that when the fan kicks in its pretty loud, and the system really warms up.

Compared to my 360, DVDs run a lot quiter on the 360 and the system stays cool. Is this possibly because the 360 uses less of its capability to run DVDs, while the ps3 runs at full all the time? The 360 does get a lot louder with games.

(and no, I'm not a ps3 hater or anything - I'm genuinely interested in whether this warmth is okay and experienced by others).

Thanks!

The PS3 does get warm after a while of use, but it shouldn't be super freaking hot. Also, the PS3 is fairly quiet and shouldn't make too much noise when the fans kick on.

How close do you sit to the console?

If the problem gets worse, try calling Sony.

I sit about 5 feet away, so maybe I notice the sound because I'm close. The PS3 definitely runs cooler than my laptop, so that may suggest it won't overheat - if it does, will it shut off on its own?

I may consider contacting sony if I think its a problem in a few months, before the warranty expires. Or, maybe just find someone with a ps3 and compare them.

The thing is how much space is there in the back of the PS3 where the heat is exhausted and is the system in a tight area. Also if the room is small then the air in the room could not be flowing very well, a way to check this is place the PS3 close to a open window and see if it does run as hot then. I also found that the PS3 does tend to run cooler when it's standing vertical because it can't retain heat under the domed area.

Note I never turn my PS3 off and the fans hardly ever come on above the medium speed and when it does it only last a few minutes.