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PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.17 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3’s system software (v2.17) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com. Unlike the version 2.10 update, which leaned heavily towards enhancing the system’s video playback features, this update seems to be focusing more on fixing some technical issues with select PS3 titles. Let’s take a look;

The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 2.17 (with 2.10) update includes the following:

 

“Voice Changer

The Voice Changer feature has been added to voice / video chat. > See details.

Other new or revised features in version 2.17 (with 2.10):

Music

    • You can now select [Type 3] as an option under [Settings] > [Music Settings] > [Bitmapping]. > See details.
    • A new pattern has been added for the visual player. > See details.

Video

    • DivX and VC-1 (WMV) have been added to the types of files that can be played. *1
    • Blu-ray Disc Profile 1.1 is now supported. *2
    • [BD Data Utility] has been added. *3

    *1 – To play VC-1 (WMV) format files, you must go to  (Settings) >  (System Settings) and set [Enable WMA Playback]. – Copyright-protected files or files that were encoded by using DivX 3.11 cannot be played.
    – Files that are 2GB or more cannot be played.

    *2 – You can now use the “Picture in Picture” feature that enables playback of two videos at the same time with some Profile 1.1-compatible Blu-ray Discs. Features available vary depending on the disc.

    *3 – Management data that is used by the Blu-ray Disc is saved here.

Game

  • New for 2.17: System stability during use of some PLAYSTATION®3 format software has been improved.” – PlayStation.com

For further information or to obtain the update via the internet, check out the link below.

March 14, 2008 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, Sony | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.10 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3's system software (v2.10) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com.

The update adds a few new nice features including voice masking, DiVX and WMV support and Picture in Picture (PiP) support for BluRay discs that support the feature. Check out the full patch message below for details;

Voice Changer

  • The Voice Changer feature has been added to voice / video chat. > See details.

Music

  • You can now select [Type 3] as an option under [Settings] > [Music Settings] > [Bitmapping]. > See details.
  • A new pattern has been added for the visual player. > See details.

Video

  • DivX and VC-1 (WMV) have been added to the types of files that can be played. *1
  • Blu-ray Disc Profile 1.1 is now supported. *2
  • [BD Data Utility] has been added. *3

*1 To play VC-1 (WMV) format files, you must go to settings (Settings) > system settings (System Settings) and set [Enable WMA Playback].

Copyright-protected files or files that were encoded by using DivX 3.11 cannot be played.

Files that are 2GB or more cannot be played.

*2 You can now use the "Picture in Picture" feature that enables playback of two videos at the same time with some Profile 1.1-compatible Blu-ray Discs. Features available vary depending on the disc.

*3 Management data that is used by the Blu-ray Disc is saved here. – PlayStation Network Update 2.10

For further information or to obtain the update via the internet, check out the link below.

December 20, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Sony, Update | 1 Comment

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.01 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3's system software (v2.01) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com.

This update adds a few nifty new features, including system stability updates for both backward compatible titles and web browsing along with improved upscaling capabilities. There have also been a few reports that the update has bricked more than it's share of PS3's, so if you have the ability to back up your saves, I'd suggest doing it before upgrading just as a precaution.

Check out the full list of new features below.

"The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 2.01 (with 2.00) update includes the following:

    • New for 2.01: System stability during use of some PLAYSTATION®3 format software has been improved.
    • New for 2.01: System stability has been improved for some operations, including the use of the Internet browser and  (Information Board).
    • New for 2.01: System stability during output of upscaled PlayStation®2 format software images has been improved.*1
    • New for 2.01: Functionality of the [Remote Start] feature has been changed to prevent an unintentional remote start. *2

*1 Applies only to models that support playback of PlayStation®2 format software. > See details

*2 If remote start via the Internet is enabled, the PS3™ system may turn on unintentionally, depending on the type of router in use. (In this case a remote play connection cannot be established.) To avoid unintentional power-up of the system, remote start via the Internet may be disabled automatically if a remote play connection is not established within a certain amount of time after the system is turned on. 

  • Custom themes
    • You can now customize the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) icons or background design. > See details
  • Playlists
    • You can now create playlists to organize content under [Music] and [Photo]. > See details
  • Information board
    • [Information Board] has been added as a feature under [Network]. PlayStation® related news can be displayed on the XMB™ screen. > See details
  • PLAYSTATION®Network category
    • [PLAYSTATION®Network] has been added as a category in the XMB™ home menu . > See details
  • Remote start
    • [Remote Start] has been added as an option under [Remote Play Settings]. A PS3™ system in standby mode can be turned on from a PSP® system used for remote play via the Internet. > See details

Other new or revised features in version 2.01 (with 2.00):

      • Settings
        • [Color], [Background], and [Font] have been added as options under [Theme Settings].
        • You can now select [Brightness] as an option under [Theme Settings] > [Background].
        • The procedure for setting [Internet Connection Settings] under [Network Settings] has been changed.
        • You can now select Canon printers with the [Printer Selection] option under [Printer Settings]. For a list of compatible printers, select here.
      • Game
        • [Vibration Function] has been added as an option under [Controller Settings] in the menu that is displayed when you press the PS button on a DUALSHOCK®3 wireless controller. *
          *Available for purchase in early 2008.
      • Friends
        • You can now use the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera for voice / video chat.*
          * For details on the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera, select here." – PlayStation.com

For further information or to obtain the update via the internet, check out the link below.

November 25, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Sony, Update | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION 2.0 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3's system software (v2.0) available for download via the PlayStation Network and PlayStation.com.

This update adds a few nifty new features, including the ability to customize the XMB's icons and backgrounds, the ability for the system to be started remotely (via the PSP) and… vibration feedback support for the Dual Shock 3 controller! (Coming in early 2008 according to the patch notes)

Check out the full list of new features below.

  • Custom themes
    • You can now customize the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) icons or background design. > See details
  • Playlists
    • You can now create playlists to organize content under [Music] and [Photo]. > See details
  • Information board
    • [Information Board] has been added as a feature under [Network]. PlayStation® related news can be displayed on the XMB™ screen. > See details
  • PLAYSTATION®Network category
    • [PLAYSTATION®Network] has been added as a category in the XMB™ home menu . > See details
  • Remote start
    • [Remote Start] has been added as an option under [Remote Play Settings]. A PS3™ system in standby mode can be turned on from a PSP® system used for remote play via the Internet. > See details
  • Other new or revised features in version 2.00:
      • The voice / video chat menu has been changed.
      • You can now use the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera for voice / video chat.*
        * For details on the PLAYSTATION®Eye camera, select here.

Unfortunately, it looks like the ability to bring up the XMB while playing a game is still just a dream.

November 8, 2007 Posted by | Dual Shock, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Sony, Update | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATED TO V1.93

If you own a PlayStation 3 and have logged onto the PlayStation Network in the last day or so, you have undoubtedly noticed that there is a new system update available for the console. System Update 1.93 doesn’t seem to add all that much to the mix, as according to the PlayStation 3 System Update page, the only addition in the update are some tweaks to network stability.

"New for 1.93: The stability of the network connection has been improved." – PlayStation.com

Not much else to say here, it was a small update and one that most will probably never notice the effects of.

September 16, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, Sony | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATED TO V1.92

If you own a PlayStation 3 and have logged onto the PlayStation Network in the last day or so, you have undoubtedly noticed that there is a new system update available for the console. System Update 1.92 doesn’t seem to add all that much to the mix, as according to the PlayStation 3 System Update page, the only addition in the update are some additional tweaks to backward compatibility.

"New for 1.92: Playability status with the PS3™ system has changed for some PlayStation®2 format titles. To check on the latest status, visit the search site for compatible titles (coming soon)." – PlayStation.com

My guess is now that the latest model PS3s are shipping without hardware based backward compatibility, we’ll be seeing that message in quite a few of the upcoming patch messages.

September 5, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, Sony, Update | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATED TO V1.90

Sony has made the latest update to the PlayStation 3’s system software available for download via the PlayStation Network or the System Update page at PlayStation.com. The v1.90 software adds some new features to the PlayStation 3 including the ability to use custom wallpapers for the XrossMediaBar, emoticon support for text messages and upsampling for audio CDs. Check out the full text of the update note below to see all the newly added features;

The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 1.90 update includes the following:

  • Customizing wallpaper (Theme Settings)
  • You can now display an image as the background of XMB™ (XrossMediaBar).

Using emoticons

  • You can now use emoticons when creating messages under [Friends].

Entering text in the Internet browser

  • You can now enter text directly into text entry fields of Web pages using a USB keyboard.

Upsampling audio CD output

  • Upsampled output of audio CDs is now supported.

Other new or revised features in version 1.90:

  • Settings
    • [44.1/88.2/176.4 kHz] has been added as an option in [Audio CD Output Frequency] under [Music Settings].
    • [Type 2] has been added as an option in [Bitmapping] under [Music Settings].
    • [On] has been added as an option in [BD 1080p 24 Hz Output (HDMI)] under [BD/DVD Settings].
  • Video
    • The [Image Quality Adjustment] option in the control panel has been changed to [AV Settings].
    • You can now play AVCHD-format video files that are saved on Memory Stick™ media or on the hard disk of a video camera.
    • You can now operate the (Slow (Back)) and (Frame Reverse) functions when playing video files saved on storage media or on the hard disk.
  • Game
    • You can now adjust screen display settings while playing PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 format software.
    • You can now sort games that are saved on the hard disk.
  • Network
    • [Add to Bookmarks] has been added as an option in the [File] menu of the Internet browser.
  • Friends
    • When an avatar is displayed during a voice / video chat, the avatar now moves in response to audio.
  • Overall
    • [Eject Disc] has been added in the options menu for discs.
    • You can now select [Group Content] when changing a file or folder icon.

For further information on how to use the above features, head on over to the PlayStation 3 System Update page at PlayStation.com.

July 25, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Sony, Update | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM UPDATE – V1.82 NOW AVAILABLE

Sony has once again released an updated version of the PlayStation 3’s system software. As with previous updates, Sony has added a few more little bells and whistles to the PlayStation 3 that you may not have felt you needed, but are nice to have just the same. This time around it’s the addition of support for MPEG-4 video playback that’s been added – so if that’s been on your PS3 wish list for awhile now, you can cross it off.

Rather than posting the entire 1.8X list of features, I’ve just listed the items marked as “new for v1.82” from the PlayStation Network Update page.

  • Video
    • Support for playback of AVC High Profile (H.264/MPEG-4) format video has been added. *
      * High image quality encoding method used by Blu-ray Discs and other media
  • Other
    • Support for playback of AVC High Profile (H.264/MPEG-4) format video has been added. *
      * High image quality encoding method used by Blu-ray Discs and other media

I think you know what I’m going to say next… These new features are all fine and well, however Sony really needs to do something about the games available for the platform, because while I love using my PS3 as an upscaling DVD player really wasn’t what I purchased it for.

June 30, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, Sony | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPGRADED TO V1.81

Yesterday, Sony released the latest upgrade to the PlayStation 3’s system software. The v1.81 doesn’t include anything massively eye opening, unlike the v1.80 update which introduced DVD, PS1 and PS2 upscaling to the system, but rather focuses on the smaller refinements you’d expect from an interim update. Let’s take a look at the current update notes as shown at the official PlayStation 3 system update page;

The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 1.81 (with 1.80) update includes the following:

Upscaling game or DVD output
You can now upscale the video content of PlayStation® format software, PlayStation®2 format software, and DVDs to HD resolution.

Copying saved data to a memory card
You can now copy saved data from PlayStation® format software and PlayStation®2 format software to a memory card or a memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation®2).

Using the DLNA client feature
You can now display images or play music or video files that are stored on a personal computer or digital video recorder with DLNA Media Server functionality over a network.

Printing Images
You can now connect a USB printer to print images.

Using remote play outside the home (via the Internet)
You can now use remote play over the Internet.

Other new or revised features in version 1.81 (with 1.80):

Settings
[BD 1080p 24 Hz Output (HDMI)] has been added as an option under [BD/DVD Settings].
[RGB Full Range (HDMI)] has been added as an option under [Display Settings].
New for 1.81: The method of setting [RGB Full Range (HDMI)] under [Display Settings] has been improved.
[Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr Super-White (HDMI)] has been added as an option under [Display Settings].
[Bitmapping (Super Audio CD)] has been added as an option under [Music Settings].
The [Test Camera] option under [Accessory Settings] has been changed to [Camera Device Settings].
[Printer Settings] has been added.
[Media Server Connection] has been added as an option under [Network Settings]

Music
You can now edit CD information.

Photo
A new type of slideshow display pattern has been added.
You can now use zoom display for images.
You can now trim images.

Video
Super-White and x.v.Color output are now supported.
Downscaled output of Blu-ray Discs is now supported. When 720p is selected as the video output setting of the PS3™ system, Blu-ray Discs that were recorded in 1080p or 1080i resolution can be played in 720p resolution.

Game
You can now move copy-prohibited saved data for PlayStation® format software and PlayStation®2 format software to a PS3™ system.

Network
The options menu items under [Download Management] have been changed.

Friends
[Display Photo] has been added to the voice / video chat options menu.

Other
New for 1.81: The stability of the network connection used during gameplay has been improved for some PlayStation®2 format software titles that support online gaming.

For more information on any of the above features, head over to the official PlayStation 3 system software update page.

June 16, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, Sony | Leave a comment

QUICK FIX: DO YOUR PLAYSTATION 3 UPSCALED VIDEOS LOOK WASHED OUT WITH HDMI?

If you’ve noticed that your PlayStation 3 upscaled DVD playback looks decidedly washed out when using a HDMI connection after downloading the v1.80 update like mine did, this simple fix could be the answer to your problems. Go to your settings tab on the PlayStation 3’s menu and choose BD/DVD Settings. Next go to the BD/DVD Video Out Format (HDMI) tab and change the setting from “automatic” to “RGB”. That’s it, you’re done. Hopefully your problem is now fixed and you can enjoy some upscaled DVD content.

I’ve noticed there’s also been some confusion as to what many of the new upscaling menu items actually do – here’s some information straight from PlayStation.com

“Upscaling game or DVD output
You can now upscale the video content of PlayStation® format software, PlayStation®2 format software, and DVDs to HD resolution.
What is upscaling?
Upscaling is a feature that can be used to enable content recorded in SD resolution (480p/480i) to be displayed in HD resolution (1080p/1080i/720p). Because the video content of PlayStation® format software, PlayStation®2 format software, and commercial DVDs is recorded in SD resolution, the resolution can be raised by upscaling the video output.
Upscaling game output
(Game Settings) has been added as an option under (Settings). You can adjust settings for upscaled output of PlayStation® format software and PlayStation®2 format software. The options available under [Game Settings] are [PS/PS2 Upscaler] and [PS/PS2 Smoothing]. These options are described below.
PS/PS2 Upscaler
You can adjust settings to upscale video output from PlayStation®2 and PlayStation® format software.
Off
Disable upscaled output.
Note
  • If image quality is reduced or the image does not look right when upscaled, set this option to [Off].
PS/PS2 Smoothing
You can adjust settings to reduce the roughness of video from PlayStation®2 and PlayStation® format software.
Off
Disable smoothing.
Notes
  • The [PS/PS2 Smoothing] setting can be used even when [PS/PS2 Upscaler] is set to [Off].
  • With some software, the smoothing effect may not be noticeable or image quality may be reduced if this option is set to [On]. In that case, set to [Off].
Upscaling DVD output
[DVD Upscaler] has been added as an option in (BD/DVD Settings) under (Settings). You can adjust settings for upscaled output of DVDs.
Off
Disable upscaled output.
* This option can be used only when the PS3™ system is set to output video at 1080p or 1080i via an HDMI or component AV cable.
Notes
  • When playing copyright-protected DVD content such as the content on commercially available DVD-Video, an HDMI cable is required to upscale the video content.
  • If image quality is reduced or the image does not look right when upscaled, set this option to [Off].” – PlayStation.com

I hope that helps any of you who’ve been having issues.

May 25, 2007 Posted by | DVD Upscaling, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Quick Fix, Sony, Troubleshooting | Leave a comment

QUICK FIX: DO YOUR PLAYSTATION 3 UPSCALED VIDEOS LOOK WASHED OUT WITH HDMI?

If you’ve noticed that your PlayStation 3 upscaled DVD playback looks decidedly washed out when using a HDMI connection after downloading the v1.80 update like mine did, this simple fix could be the answer to your problems. Go to your settings tab on the PlayStation 3’s menu and choose BD/DVD Settings. Next go to the BD/DVD Video Out Format (HDMI) tab and change the setting from “automatic” to “RGB”. That’s it, you’re done. Hopefully your problem is now fixed and you can enjoy some upscaled DVD content.

I’ve noticed there’s also been some confusion as to what many of the new upscaling menu items actually do – here’s some information straight from PlayStation.com

“Upscaling game or DVD output
You can now upscale the video content of PlayStation® format software, PlayStation®2 format software, and DVDs to HD resolution.
What is upscaling?
Upscaling is a feature that can be used to enable content recorded in SD resolution (480p/480i) to be displayed in HD resolution (1080p/1080i/720p). Because the video content of PlayStation® format software, PlayStation®2 format software, and commercial DVDs is recorded in SD resolution, the resolution can be raised by upscaling the video output.
Upscaling game output
(Game Settings) has been added as an option under (Settings). You can adjust settings for upscaled output of PlayStation® format software and PlayStation®2 format software. The options available under [Game Settings] are [PS/PS2 Upscaler] and [PS/PS2 Smoothing]. These options are described below.
PS/PS2 Upscaler
You can adjust settings to upscale video output from PlayStation®2 and PlayStation® format software.
Off
Disable upscaled output.
Note
  • If image quality is reduced or the image does not look right when upscaled, set this option to [Off].
PS/PS2 Smoothing
You can adjust settings to reduce the roughness of video from PlayStation®2 and PlayStation® format software.
Off
Disable smoothing.
Notes
  • The [PS/PS2 Smoothing] setting can be used even when [PS/PS2 Upscaler] is set to [Off].
  • With some software, the smoothing effect may not be noticeable or image quality may be reduced if this option is set to [On]. In that case, set to [Off].
Upscaling DVD output
[DVD Upscaler] has been added as an option in (BD/DVD Settings) under (Settings). You can adjust settings for upscaled output of DVDs.
Off
Disable upscaled output.
* This option can be used only when the PS3™ system is set to output video at 1080p or 1080i via an HDMI or component AV cable.
Notes
  • When playing copyright-protected DVD content such as the content on commercially available DVD-Video, an HDMI cable is required to upscale the video content.
  • If image quality is reduced or the image does not look right when upscaled, set this option to [Off].” – PlayStation.com

I hope that helps any of you who’ve been having issues.

May 25, 2007 Posted by | DVD Upscaling, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Sony, Troubleshooting | 1 Comment

PLAYSTATION SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPGRADED TO V1.60

A little behind on this one, but Sony has upgraded the PlayStation 3’s system software to version 1.60, and this time around, the new features are more than just cosmetic. Before we get to the full upgrade description, let’s stalk about the most important (imho) aspect of the v1.60 system update, and that’s the addition of background downloading. Just like the Xbox 360, you can now use your PlayStation 3 while downloading content from the PlayStation store without having to interrupt your download except in the following circumstances;

  • When playing a Blu-ray Disc or DVD
  • When using network features of online games
  • When starting PlayStation®2 format software
  • When starting (Folding@home™)
  • When using voice / video chat
  • When performing a system update
  • When adjusting setting items under (Settings)

Background downloading was without a doubt at the top of many people’s wish lists for the PlayStation 3, and I’m glad to see that Sony has begun to implement it. Now if they can just speed up the download rate from the PlayStation Store, things would really be cooking.

Here’s the full patch message as per Sony’s PlayStation 3 system software page;

"The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 1.60 update includes the following:Precision Zoom and Resolution settings (Internet Browser)

Precision Zoom: You can automatically enlarge to optimal viewing size the area on the screen where the pointer is located. By analyzing the Web page source, the system automatically calculates the best enlargement ratio based on the area where the pointer is located. Select here for details.

Adjusting the resolution: You can adjust Web page size for optimal viewing based on the PS3™ system’s video output resolution. A setting to reduce flickering of the screen when outputting in interlace mode has also been added. Select here for details.

Full-size keyboard You can now use a full-size on-screen keyboard to enter text. Select here for details.

Background DownloadSupport for background downloading of data has been added. Select here for details.

Folding@home™You can now download and use the Folding@home™ program. Folding@home™ is a distributed computing project that is run by Stanford University. The goal of the project is to research protein folding mechanisms in the hope that this will lead to medical treatments for related diseases. Using the Folding@home™ program, you can participate in this project over the Internet. Note that the program must first be downloaded and installed on your PS3™ system. Select here for details.

Remote play via an access point

You can now use the remote play feature from a PSP® system via an access point. You can establish a remote play connection with a PS3™ system that is not equipped with the wireless LAN feature (20 GB model). Select here for details. Other new or revised features in version 1.60:

  • Overall

    • Support for playback of BD-RE (Blu-ray Disc Rewritable) ver 3.0 has been added.
    • The PS3™ system can now automatically detect an HDMI connection to a TV. If the PS3™ system is turned on with an HDMI cable connected, the screen for switching video output settings will be displayed automatically.*
      * Does not function unless the TV that is connected by the HDMI cable is turned on.
      * If you are already using the HDMI OUT connector, the screen for switching video output settings will not be displayed.
  • Settings

    • Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, Chinese (Simplified) and Chinese (Traditional) have been added as options in [System Language] under [System Settings].
    • You can now select the character set to be used for file names under [System Settings] > [Character Set].
    • [Enable WMA Playback] has been added as an option under [System Settings].
    • [Disc Auto-Start] has been added as an option under [System Settings].
    • You can now restore backed up data to another PS3™ system under [System Settings] > [Backup Utility].
    • You can now register a keyboard and a mouse under [Accessory Settings] > [Register Bluetooth® Device].
    • [Remote Play Settings] has been added as an option.
  • Music

    • Support for playback of DSD (Direct Stream Digital) discs has been added. *
      * These discs are music discs created using SonicStage Mastering Studio Version 2.1 or later or DSD Direct Version 2.0 or later (both Sony products, sold separately).
  • Video

    • Motion JPEG and AVCHD (.m2ts) have been added as playable formats.
  • Network

  • Friends

    • [Start New Chat] has been added as an option." – PlayStation 3 system software page

March 29, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, PlayStation Network, Sony | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION 3 TO GAIN DVD UPSCALING CAPABILITY?

Kotaku is reporting that in an interview with Newsweek’s N’Gai Croal, Sony’s Phil Harrison leaked the news many PlayStation 3 owners have been waiting to hear… Sony is working on bringing DVD upscaling to the PlayStation 3;

“I think in order to engender trust in our users, we have to share some things that might be not quite perfect, but are ready to give you an indication of what’s coming. So we could say, “You know, we’re not sure when it’s coming, but we’re going to have DVD upscaling on Playstation 3.” – Phil Harrison

For those of you who don’t know what the big deal is, DVD upscaling is a process in which standard DVD’s which are normally only capable of being displayed at 480p are digitally upgraded to support 720p resolution. In other words, it makes regular DVD’s play in high-definition. While you can buy regular DVD players that perform the same function, the fact that this is something that can apparently be added free of charge via a firmware update will definitely be a positive boost to the PS3’s image.

March 2, 2007 Posted by | DVD Upscaling, Phil Harrison, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, Rumors, Sony | Leave a comment

PLAYSTATION SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATED TO V1.54

Sony has made another small update to the PlayStation 3’s firmware. Here are the details for v1.54 as per the PlayStation 3 System Update page.

"The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 1.54 update (with 1.50/1.51) includes the following:

  • Users

    • You can now select an image to use as the User icon from [Photo].
  • Settings

    • [Key Tone] has been added as an option under [Sound Settings].
    • [Delete Backup Data] has been added as an option under [System Settings] > [Backup Utility].
    • WEP 128, WPA-PSK (TKIP) and WPA-PSK (AES) have been added as security methods that can be used with [AOSS™] under [Automatic].*
      * If you have already set up for AOSS using an earlier version of the system software, you must perform AOSS setup again to use the security methods listed above.
      * When [Automatic] is selected, the security method to be used is automatically set.
      * AOSS is a trademark of Buffalo, Inc.
  • Game

    • New for 1.51: Support for PLAYSTATION®3 format software titles has been expanded.
  • Friends

    • New for 1.54: [Screen Mode] has been added as an option in the options menu for video chat. The image of the person you are chatting with during video chat can now be changed to match the screen size.
    • New for 1.54: You can now use a compatible USB camera compliant with USB video class (UVC) for video chat.

      * For information on supported models and usage instructions, contact the retailer where the cameras are sold.

    • The method for saving your password / signing in automatically under PLAYSTATION®Network has been changed. There are now two separate options.
  • Other

    • You can now enter text in Korean using the on-screen keyboard" – PlayStation Network System update message

The update can be downloaded either directly via the PlayStation 3 or from the system update page itself.

March 1, 2007 Posted by | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 3 system update, Sony | Leave a comment