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PlayStation 3 becomes an even better video player with new software update

Earlier this morning, Sony’s UK PlayStation website listed new features of a version 2.10 firmware that is supposed to hit the PS3 tomorrow. The link has since been removed from public eyes, but the contents of the page were recorded in a NeoGAF forum post.

The big news for those who utilize the Blu-ray Disc player function of the PlayStation 3 is that the console will support Blu-ray Disc Profile 1.1 after the new firmware update, adding support for the much awaited picture-in-picture and audio mixing features. Also added is a BD Data Utility. This makes the PlayStation 3 one of the most developed Blu-ray Disc players on the market today.

Also to please users of the PlayStation 3’s video playback functions is support for DivX and VC-1 encoded files. Unfortunately, DivX support in the upcoming firmware appears to be less than ideal as it will not play files that are either copyright-protected, encoded by using DivX 3.11, or that are 2GB or more.

Although DivX support was first touted for the PlayStation 3, the Xbox 360 leapfrogged ahead following its Fall Update.

A new “Type 3” music playback option will be available for the PlayStation 3’s bitmapping process, supposedly developed to enhance audio playback.

Finally, a voice changer option will allow users to mask the sounds of their voice when chatting on audio or video chat over the PlayStation Network.

The new firmware is expected on December 18, though the removal of such news on the UK PlayStation website casts doubt on the pending release.

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divx 3.11?
By munim on 12/17/2007 5:04:19 PM , Rating: 2
What is the significance of the PS3 not being able to play files encoded using divx 3.11?




RE: divx 3.11?
By JSK on 12/17/2007 5:24:21 PM , Rating: 3
While Divx now is often supplanted by open source derivative xvid, in its hay day divx 3.11 was one of the most popular codecs ever. Even when 4 and 5 were out 3.11 was still often the codec of choice thanks to how customizable it was.


RE: divx 3.11?
By JSK on 12/17/2007 5:26:56 PM , Rating: 2
So I guess in essence they are just noting that a sizable portion of older content may have issues.

I think the bigger question is does it have xvid support, and there are conflicting thoughts. One its not specifically mentioned, but on the other hand you can view file previews/thumbnails on your PS3 that are encoded in xvid. So there are hopes that it will.

Xvid being more popular with current media is probably more important than divx at this point and forward.


RE: divx 3.11?
By gumbi18 on 12/17/2007 5:40:40 PM , Rating: 2
I wonder what was so different about DivX 3.11? Surely it would be roughly similar to newer codecs?


RE: divx 3.11?
By Fallen Kell on 12/17/2007 6:18:43 PM , Rating: 2
I don't think it is a "technical" issue, but more of a "political" issue. A lot of pirated movies/TV shows have been encoded in that format, and if you look at the other things added (and not added), they are trying to limit the ability to view those types of media on the PS3.


RE: divx 3.11?
By mmntech on 12/17/2007 7:03:10 PM , Rating: 2
Perhaps but it still doesn't explain why it doesn't allow playback of copyprotected files. Besides, a lot of pirated stuff is probably encoded in a lot of other DivX versions as well.

I think they're either testing the waters or trying to rush out DivX capability before Christmas. Better compatibility will probably come with future firmware updates.


RE: divx 3.11?
By jvillaro on 12/17/2007 7:05:34 PM , Rating: 2
Correct me if i'm wrong but I remeber something about xvid being an open source divx (the creators even played with the name, xvid is divx written in reverse).

I have a divx certified dvd player and it plays all the xvid files I try on it. Even played on the pc you get the divx logo when playing all these xvid movies. I also tried xvid movies on a friends xbox 360 and they played ok.

I supose the PS3 should run xvid movies just fine.
But then again I do not know if there could be a tecnical issue that can spoil this.


RE: divx 3.11?
By JSK on 12/17/2007 7:33:00 PM , Rating: 2
I have a player that does the same. However as was mentioned with 3.11 there could be some piracy related issues that may prevent xvid support. I'd bet if Sony wanted to they could block xvid if need be.

Hopefully this will be a non issue and it will be fully supported.


RE: divx 3.11?
By reader1 on 12/17/2007 6:51:35 PM , Rating: 2
The PS3 is a DivX Certified product, so according to DivX:

"Simply put, when you see the DivX logo on a hardware device, you can rest assured that the device will play all of your DivX videos."

I'd guess 3.11 will be coming later. This version seems to be getting rushed out just in time for Christmas.


RE: divx 3.11?
By walk2k on 12/17/2007 6:57:47 PM , Rating: 2
I assume Divx = Xvid.

While that's nice and all, we are still waiting for DTS-MA support that was promised almost a year ago now...

Plus personally I'd like to see them fix the bugs with MPEG2-PS/TS files. Green flashes and glitches and no sound (on TS)...


RE: divx 3.11?
By nemrod on 12/18/2007 4:36:12 AM , Rating: 2
If I don't make mistake, divx 3.11 was supposed to be a hack of microsoft mpeg 4 software.

But anyway:

http://www.divx.com/company/partner/hd.php

quote:
Are DivX® Certified High Definition products required to play all versions of DivX video, including DivX 3.11 content?

Yes, full forward and backward compatibility is required of all DivX Certified devices. This means DivX Certified High Definition products are required to play all versions of DivX video, including content encoded with DivX 3.11.


It should to be DivX® Certified


Fully Certified
By deeznuts on 12/17/2007 6:32:39 PM , Rating: 2
All of this video codec stuffs starts to confuse me, but I read that the PS3 is "fully certified" or similar, while the 360 is not. I don't know the significance of that distinction, possibly someone here may clarify.




RE: Fully Certified
By Tacoloft on 12/17/2007 6:47:17 PM , Rating: 2
I could be wrong but I believe "fully certified" means that finally Blu-ray has their shizola together and have agreed on a final standard for all of the Java features that will be implemented in future Blu-Ray releases. Whereas HD-DVD already had their standard fully certified and agreed upon at the get go Sony is playing catch up to HD-DVD in agreeing on a standard. Thanks to Sony for all of the previously released Blu-ray discs that could not take advantage of these features as they hemmed and hawed until finally becoming "fully certified".


RE: Fully Certified
By afkrotch on 12/19/2007 3:20:40 PM , Rating: 3
Fanboy anyone? Please, tell me how many HD-DVDs fully utilize all the features available.
Who cares?

As long as I get HD content, I'm happy. I'm just annoyed that I have to have 2 players.


XviD Works!
By mertesn on 12/18/2007 8:27:16 AM , Rating: 2
I got the update last night and tried out a few videos I encoded with XviD. It works!




RE: XviD Works!
By MrPickins on 12/18/2007 11:20:28 AM , Rating: 2
Some of mine work, some don't. Looks like I'm sticking with my HTPC.


music
By Schadenfroh on 12/17/2007 9:39:38 PM , Rating: 1
Why has Sony not put in the feature that allows me to play my own music while I play Guitar Hero 3, like I can on the 360?




RE: music
By bigbrent88 on 12/18/2007 9:11:29 PM , Rating: 2
Why don't you have a stereo? Also, why would you listen to different music in what is a music game. Without hearing the songs you are just hitting buttons in order to get a high number at the end. You sir are lame. But yea, Sony has added custom soundtracks, but it is all up to the developer to add the feature into their games.


and what of MKV support
By tastyratz on 12/20/07, Rating: 0
Voice Masking
By wallijonn on 12/18/07, Rating: -1
"I f***ing cannot play Halo 2 multiplayer. I cannot do it." -- Bungie Technical Lead Chris Butcher