Yep, that is what I did until my HDMI cable was delivered.
I know that the PS2 controllers work with the PS3 too, you just need a PS2 to PS3 adapter (USB to PS2 controller basically, that applies to the DVD remote also) but any features unique to the PS3 (PS, Sixaxis) obviously won't be there. At this point, I'll be waiting to pick up another controller around X-mas when they release the new "rumble" versions.