My ps3 will turn on fine but when it comes on, the only thing on the screen is the little wave thing, and it wont go to the main set up screen.

Ok, please follow my guide BUT DO NOT CHOOSE OPTION 5 TO START WITH!!

Please choose option 3 first, then 4 then as a last resort 5, option 5 WILL wipe your hard drive -

http://www.fixya.com/support/r6784919-playstation_3_not_starting_up

Thank you for using FixYa

unplug PS3. Wait 10 minutes and turn on.
do the same with the power supply.

Same prob my ps3 stays on the purple waves then won't load the main menu

are you connected with the HDMI cable? DId you switch TVs recently?

You might have the resolution under settings set wrong. so the screen is really tiny. If your remote for the tv has a zoom option, zoom up until you can see the settings to change the output

this is the one bad glitch

PS3 is one of the most amazing gaming device but like other competitor gaming devices (Xbox and Wii) It also has some problems like No Display Problme. You may check out the informative blog post at PS3 Repairs blog

Hope it helps to fix the problem.

BEaT IT TO DEATH (it helps)

Take it back to the store you purchased it from and exchange it for another one.

After the system boots up, hold your finger down on the metal spot where you normally turn it on. it'll completely reset all settings & hopefully set to the proper video output.

PS3 is The amazing device by sony but it has some common problems like Screen/video problem etc.... Good news is that these all problems can be repaired with the help of DIY Guides, one such guide available at PS3 Repair Blog