PS3 Firmware 2.20 released, available now

[jaw04005]

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced that system software update v.2.20, for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™), planned for release in late March, will add Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) Profile 2.0 (known as BD-LIVE). With the ability to take full advantage of interactive features, such as downloadable video content, ringtones, games, and more, BD-LIVE promises to offer PS3 users the ultimate interactive film experience.

In addition to BD-LIVE, the system software update will enable photo and music playlists on a PS3 to be copied to a PSP™(PlayStation®Portable), as well as other new features. To access Blu-ray Profile 2.0, users require an Internet connection and at least 1GB of local storage. Movies with BD-LIVE are scheduled for release next month.

The following features have been demonstrated to be possible with BD-LIVE and will vary depending on the title:

• A variety of downloadable content, including bonus scenes, shorts, trailers, subtitles, ringtones that can be sent to mobile phones, images, and more.

• Interactive movie-based games can pit players who are sitting in the same room, or are across the world and online, against each other.

In addition to BD-LIVE, system software update v.2.20 enhances PS3’s relationship with PSP, enabling users to copy their favourite music and photo playlists to their PSP and experience them on-the-go. This new functionality makes it easer than ever to share media content between the two systems.

The following new features will also be included in the system software update:

• “Resume play” will enable PS3 to start playing a BD and DVD video at the point it was stopped, even if the disc had been removed.*1

• “Audio Output Device” will be a new Remote Play setting, enabling PSP to serve as a remote control for music played through PS3.

• PS3’s Internet browser will be enhanced: Video files directly linked from a Web page will be able to be streamed, and the browser’s view speed will be improved.

• DivX and WMV format videos that are larger than 2GB will be playable.

• “Mosquito Noise Reduction” will be added as an AV setting in the control panel of the DVD/BD player for improved movie playback.*2

*1 BD-J format disc is not supported.
*2 BD discs recorded with BDMV format are not supported.

Update: Updated title to reflect release. Thought it would be better to keep it all in the same thread.

[sikkinixx]

*laughs at fools who buy stand-alone Blu-Ray players*

[MrSquibbles]

I heard an upcoming update would allow you to listen to music/play games on your PS3 at the same time (and other things, similar to pressing the xbox button on your 360).

I guess it was false, or it's not here yet.

[getbigg21]

does this update allow users to copy a standard version of the Blu-ray movie over to the PSP yet?

[sikkinixx]

I heard an upcoming update would allow you to listen to music/play games on your PS3 at the same time (and other things, similar to pressing the xbox button on your 360).

I guess it was false, or it's not here yet.

yeah thats been "coming soon" since the PS3 launched...

[twoodcc]

seems like a cool update. looking forward to it

[jaw04005]

does this update allow users to copy a standard version of the Blu-ray movie over to the PSP yet?

Yes. That's a feature of Blu-ray Profile 2.0.

[stagi]

sweet have to add a PS3 to my list of purchases later this year :)

[spyker3292]

Yes. That's a feature of Blu-ray Profile 2.0.

Must have!!!

[Zwhaler]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/3A110a Safari/419.3)

This is cool, but why can't we play music while playing games? Is it really that hard? Maybe well get it the next time around...

[jaw04005]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/3A110a Safari/419.3)

This is cool, but why can't we play music while playing games? Is it really that hard? Maybe well get it the next time around...

A Sony spokesman said that a firmware update would be released in the Summer that supported some type of in-game XMB with messaging. Whether that includes music or not, that's not yet known.

[Antares]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/420.1 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.0 Mobile/3A110a Safari/419.3)

This is cool, but why can't we play music while playing games? Is it really that hard? Maybe well get it the next time around...

You can...it's called iTunes.

Why would you want to play your own music within a game, itself?

[gloss]

You can...it's called iTunes.

Why would you want to play your own music within a game, itself?

Some games have soundtracks that get repetitive after a while. Example: Burnout Paradise has a pretty decent custom soundtrack, but would work every bit as well with my iPod plugged in playing my own music. The 360 can do this, I don't see why the PS3 can't.

[sikkinixx]

does this update allow users to copy a standard version of the Blu-ray movie over to the PSP yet?

crappy news on that is the feature only works if the Blu-Ray disc itself has a digital copy to transfer. Meaning pretty much every BR on the market right now WON'T be able to be 'copied' onto your PSP. Mucho Lame-o

[Pine-Tree]

crappy news on that is the feature only works if the Blu-Ray disc itself has a digital copy to transfer. Meaning pretty much every BR on the market right now WON'T be able to be 'copied' onto your PSP. Mucho Lame-o

Well that sucks...I was actually considering getting a PSP for this feature. Now it would have to wait. How would you know it has a copy for transferring though? A logo on the box or something?

Not only that but would you be able to do it with BR titles you get from subscription services like Netflix? Would really blow if it's only for retail copies of BR movies you buy at stores...

[sikkinixx]

I'm pretty sure it's the same kinda deal that the Family Guy Star Wars spoof had. It has a digital copy on the disc that you can download off.

[MacRumorUser]

Great update, interested in the audio section. I hope they allow you to have say optical output tuned on alongside other AV audio output. It annoys me to have to manually turn on and off the sound if I want it to come through my DTS/DD system or TV.

The 360 allows both, so I can't see why the ps3 can't. Heck even the ps2 allowed both.

[jaw04005]

I updated my original post. Firmware 2.20 is live.

By the way, PC World incorrectly reported that this update would allow Blu-ray to PSP transfers. This feature is not in this release, despite being touted as a "feature" of Blu-ray Profile 2.0 by Sony at CES.

Some quick notes:

• I can't get a WMV-HD file that's roughly 8GB to play despite the claim that it's no longer limited to 4GB. File plays fine on XBOX 360. (Update: File will playback without sound if copied directly to PS3's hard drive, PS3 doesn't support 5.1 channel audio in WMV files.)

• Live preview/art is now available for content that is streamed (including MediaLink)

• Still no additional support for MPEG-4 files (Limited to original Simple profile, no Advanced support, etc)

[TravisReynolds]

does anybody out there wish that sony would add "sleep" to it, so you can fall asleep to your movies?

[Pine-Tree]

Updated, and it's too bad that Sony decided to not include the feature I'm sure we most wanted, PSP transfers. At least they're improving the PS3 with what seems like baby steps unlike MS that ships 2 huge updates each year; not that it's bad or anything.

"Mosquito Noise Reduction" will be added as an AV setting in the control panel of the DVD/BD player for improved movie playback. What the heck does this do? Will it really make a difference?

[MacRumorUser]

Still no bloody audio fix :rolleyes: (no optical and hdmi sound at the same time)

I suspect it's probably hardware limitation now as they are taking too long to sort it out software wise.

[OllyW]

*laughs at fools who buy stand-alone Blu-Ray players*

Perhaps those fools might want to stream high definition audio to their surround sound system ;)

It has a 1.3A HDMI output, which means in theory it can output HD audio. Perhaps it will be in the next firmware?

[gloss]

Perhaps those fools might want to stream high definition audio to their surround sound system ;)

It has a 1.3A HDMI output, which means in theory it can output HD audio. Perhaps it will be in the next firmware?

As far as I know, DTS-HD Master Audio is the only audio format that the PS3 doesn't support currently. It can decode all other formats and output 5.1-7.1 PCM via HDMI to a compatible receiver.

[jaw04005]

Still no bloody audio fix :rolleyes: (no optical and hdmi sound at the same time)

I suspect it's probably hardware limitation now as they are taking too long to sort it out software wise.

I'm not sure why you would want to use both at the same time?

Does your TV not have an optical port for passthrough?

[Markleshark]

HDMI sound for TV, then optical into home cinema system, maybe? I dunno...

[MacRumorUser]

I'm not sure why you would want to use both at the same time?

Does your TV not have an optical port for passthrough?

No. Not many (in fact I just bought a full hd Sony Bravia 40" and even that doesnt) TV's this side of the Atlantic do.

Markleshark is correct :)

Besides if the 360 can do it. If even the PS2 can handle sound optical two output sources, I fail to see why Snoy can't implement it in the PS3. It's a pain in the arse having to change the setting in the menu each time.

[Antares]

Besides if the 360 can do it. If even the PS2 can handle sound optical two output sources, I fail to see why Snoy can't implement it in the PS3. It's a pain in the arse having to change the setting in the menu each time.

Maybe it's not a priority for Snoy. In fact, Snoy might not have even considered allowing dual audio on the PS3. Have you contacted Snoy about this to see what the official response is?

[MacRumorUser]

^ No I haven't - it's just unbelievable that they haven't got support for both when 360 does, and the ps2 and xbox also did both.

It cant be a hdmi issue as the 360 does both still with hdmi.

So it just has to be how the ps3 is engineered which is a bit of a bummer.


doh!!! SNOY :rolleyes: :p

[buffalo]

*laughs at fools who buy stand-alone Blu-Ray players*

I don't get it... Those can also have the firmware updated (http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_6251772_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1000192641&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=special-node-offers-2&pf_rd_r=1PKB4456VXTKV3637BF2&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=360005701&pf_rd_i=B0013FBS20) (correct me if I'm wrong).

[Taustin Powers]

"Mosquito Noise Reduction" will be added as an AV setting in the control panel of the DVD/BD player for improved movie playback. What the heck does this do? Will it really make a difference?


When I watch Bluray movies at a high volume, I sometimes hear very high-pitched sound artifacts through the speakers during the quieter parts...I'm hoping that's what this fixes?

Haven't tried yet. Anyone know if this is what "mosquito noise" is referring to?

[gloss]

When I watch Bluray movies at a high volume, I sometimes hear very high-pitched sound artifacts through the speakers during the quieter parts...I'm hoping that's what this fixes?


Unfortunately, that tends to be a side-effect of the dubbing process. You probably notice the noises during dialogue, yes?

I have this problem too, but I think since most people over 25 can't hear noises in that frequency range it's sort of something that fixes itself over time. ;)

[Taustin Powers]

Unfortunately, that tends to be a side-effect of the dubbing process. You probably notice the noises during dialogue, yes?

I have this problem too, but I think since most people over 25 can't hear noises in that frequency range it's sort of something that fixes itself over time. ;)

Interesting. Shouldn't I hear it on regular DVD's then as well?

The sounds I hear are really quite piercing, very bright, I guess "dog-whistle-like". Usually it's maybe 1-2 seconds at a time. NOt sure if it's during dialogues or not....just only on Blurays. But, I also usually have to turn the TV's volume up much higher when watching a Bluray than I do for DVD's or TV. Is the signal just generally lower? Or do I have to adjust some setting on my PS3? (Haven't found anything so far...)

[Taustin Powers]

Btw, is the browser's interface improved as well? That damn thing is nearly unusable to me....why can't they just include Firefox!?

[jaw04005]

I don't get it... Those can also have the firmware updated (http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_6251772_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1000192641&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=special-node-offers-2&pf_rd_r=1PKB4456VXTKV3637BF2&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=360005701&pf_rd_i=B0013FBS20) (correct me if I'm wrong).

Well, yes and no. The firmware included on all Blu-ray players can be upgraded by disc. However, there's a difference between upgrading firmware and adding additional features to support Blu-ray Profile 2.0.

No currently shipping players can be upgraded to Profile 2.0 except the PS3.

Btw, is the browser's interface improved as well? That damn thing is nearly unusable to me....why can't they just include Firefox!?

Because Mozilla can't supply a Firefox browser for embedded platforms. That's why you don't see Firefox on cell phones, other game consoles, etc. It's currently only officially supported on desktop platforms. Apparently, they are working on embedded platforms, but nothing substantial has come out of it yet.

Nintendo had Opera develop their browser. Sony picked NetFront for the PSP and PS3. In my opinion, the Wii's Opera browser is superior. However, the lack of an updated version of Flash on both platforms is crippling.

[RaceTripper]

Still no bloody audio fix :rolleyes: (no optical and hdmi sound at the same time)

I suspect it's probably hardware limitation now as they are taking too long to sort it out software wise.I'm confused. What is the issue? I have a PS3 with HDMI connected to my TV and the optical out connected to my HT audio system (7.1 DTS-ES/DD-PLIIx) and it works for me.

Or is it just a problem with simultaneous output. Is there a reason that's needed?

[Antares]

I'm confused. What is the issue? I have a PS3 with HDMI connected to my TV and the optical out connected to my HT audio system (7.1 DTS-ES/DD-PLIIx) and it works for me.

Or is it just a problem with simultaneous output. Is there a reason that's needed?

Yeah, I think it's the simultaneous out that he wants. Say....HDMI to the tv with sound coming out the tv speakers and optical out to a home theater system with sound coming out of there as well.

Why? Maybe it is to be able to have the option of playing the sound through the home theater system or the tv without messing with option settings on the PS3....

[RaceTripper]

Yeah, I think it's the simultaneous out that he wants. Say....HDMI to the tv with sound coming out the tv speakers and optical out to a home theater system with sound coming out of there as well.

Why? Maybe it is to be able to have the option of playing the sound through the home theater system or the tv without messing with option settings on the PS3....OK. I don't think audio has ever come out of my TV. After 3 years I'm not even positive the TV speakers work at all, nor do I really care. :)

[thunderclap]

• “Resume play” will enable PS3 to start playing a BD and DVD video at the point it was stopped, even if the disc had been removed.

About frickin' time.

[irbdavid]

A 'search' type thing in the music tab would be nice. Or even a more iTunes-esque media player altogether. Also, how come my PS3 doesn't read tags on AAC files?

[gloss]

Interesting. Shouldn't I hear it on regular DVD's then as well?

The sounds I hear are really quite piercing, very bright, I guess "dog-whistle-like". Usually it's maybe 1-2 seconds at a time. NOt sure if it's during dialogues or not....just only on Blurays. But, I also usually have to turn the TV's volume up much higher when watching a Bluray than I do for DVD's or TV. Is the signal just generally lower? Or do I have to adjust some setting on my PS3? (Haven't found anything so far...)

You should, yeah. I sure do.

And I'm pretty sure I know exactly what you're talking about. I tend to hear those noises during dialogue (especially during quiet scenes) that's been overdubbed. Sometimes only one character's voice will have the problem, while the 'primary character' (the one whose face is shown clearly) does not. It's annoying, but I'm hoping as my hearing degrades it won't bother me so much.

And I have noticed that the volume level on Blu-rays is somewhat low. This is probably a side-effect of the higher-quality audio transfers - I've noticed that the dynamic range (difference in volume from the softest to the loudest parts of the soundtrack) of Blu-ray discs is somewhat broader than that of DVD. I was watching No Country for Old Men last night, and the range was such that at a volume where I felt dialogue was at a comfortable level, gunshots were downright scary-sounding.

But I guess that was the point.