Gizmodo
As expected, the PS3 will become fully Blu-ray 2.0, or BD-Live, compatible with its next major software update, slated for "late March." The functionality will give upcoming movies the ability to go online for downloads—games, ringtones and bonus audio and video. No other Blu-ray player on the market has this capability, and only a few due out this year will, so PS3 is still your best bet, Blu-ray-wise.
The movies themselves will start appearing in April, starting with Sony's own releases, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and The 6th Day. The update also brings new PSP interoperability, such as the ability to move a photo or music playlist from the PS3 to the PSP. All known details are below.
PLAYSTATION(R)3 To Support New Interactive Blu-ray Movie Features (BD-LIVE) With Upcoming System Software Update[PR Newswire via DigitalTrends]PS3(TM) Owners Will Soon Enjoy Downloadable Movie Content, Games And More With Blu-ray Disc(TM) Profile 2.0; PS3's Interoperability With PSP(R) Will Also Be Enhanced
FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 20 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that the next system software update for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system, slated for release in late March, will add Blu-ray Disc(TM) (BD) Profile 2.0 or BD-LIVE, enabling PS3 owners to experience interactive features, such as downloadable video content, ringtones, games, and more. In addition to BD-LIVE, the system software update (v. 2.20) will enable photo and music playlists on PS3 to be copied to PSP(R)(PlayStation(R)Portable) handheld entertainment system, among other new features. These updates demonstrate how PS3 continues to evolve as a home entertainment hub with the flexibility to deliver the newest technology innovations that benefit PS3
owners."With Blu-ray established as the high-definition optical disc standard, more consumers are ready to jump in and take advantage of everything the format offers," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. "Whether you want to download movie extras, send ringtones to your phone, or play interactive games, BD-LIVE will offer exciting new ways to enjoy a Blu-ray movie. With these regular firmware updates and future-proofed technology, SCEA is making the 10-year lifecycle of PS3 possible."
BD Profile 2.0 requires an Internet connection and at least 1GB of local storage. The following features have all been demonstrated as possibilities with BD-Live and will vary by movie title.
— A variety of downloadable content can be offered, 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 conjunction with the PS3 firmware update, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) is pleased to announce two BD-LIVE enabled titles to be released on April 8 - Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and The 6th Day. Both titles will include exclusive downloadable content that goes beyond what is available on the actual Blu-ray discs. These initial releases preview some of the exciting new developments that will soon be available from BD-LIVE on Blu- ray disc.
Beyond BD-LIVE, the new system software update enhances PS3 system's interoperability with PSP system, enabling users to take their favorite music and photo playlists with them on-the-go with their PSP. To copy a playlist, PSP and PS3 must first be connected with a USB cable, and the PSP must be in USB mode. Then, on PS3, select "Copy" in the option menu of each music or photo playlist, and choose PSP as the destination. Now the playlist order, and the songs or photos themselves, will be accessible on the PSP's Memory Stick PRO Duo anytime, anywhere. 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 system to start playing a Blu-ray disc and DVD 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 system'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.About PS3 and PSP System Software Updates
PS3 and PSP systems were designed to continually evolve with regular system software updates that deliver new features. There's no additional investment required from consumers, who simply update their systems and can immediately enjoy the benefits of the added functionality. This process lengthens the lifecycle of PS3 and PSP, and consumers no longer have to worry about their hardware becoming outdated or missing out on exciting new capabilities. SCEA will continue to release system software updates on an ongoing basis. For further details and instructions on how to update the PS3 and PSP system software, please visit us.playstation.com.
Comments
And there it is...the final bit to get those "I'll wait" buyers into the stores. The only thing left would be a paired price drop of $50-$100 and you're all set.
This is exactly why people looking for a BR player should snatch up a PS3. Unless they feel like waiting for a while. Either way, I'm eagerly awaiting my arrival of I am Legend and 2001 Space Odyssey to see how well these boats the bravia sets.
Wake me when the thing wakes up via IR remote....otherwise, YAWN
;-)
What about DTS-HD Master decoding and/or bitstream? :(
WOOT about time
does anybody really want movie disks to do anything other than play movies really well? I don't know about you, but I always strip out all the "extra features" of DVDs when I "back them up."
@Julien321:
Supposedly it's coming.
@sonicwind: I watch them on the movies I like enough to purchase...on most of the ones I get through Netflix I skip them
@Lizard_King: Note sure it even has IR technology in it. It uses Bluetooth controllers and a Blutooth Blu-ray remote. The remote can turn on your PS3, and navigate around the menu. In fact, you can do anything with the remote until you get into the actual gaming.
"Resume Play" makes the whole thing worth while for me. When you've got kids and you're popping Dora or Elmo in and out during the day, it's a pain in the ass to drill down to find the spot where you originally left off of your own movie.
@JustEaton: Yeah, I know... I had one. It was more a flamebait comment.
One of the big things I dislike about using the PS3 as a stereo component (selling as the best Blu Ray, instead of a gaming machine with Blu Ray) was the lack of IR remote. This means universal remotes like the Harmony line, or my RF Niles cannot work. Bluetooth is kinda dumb for a remote, unless you have many units in close proximity, or the reson I hope, is that Sony releases a Bluetooth universal setup.
I've tried the aftermarket PS2 remote adapters that don't power up the unit. They are slow and clumsy, note quite up to speed. They also do not power on the unit.
I've just recently trained myself for only one remote, I don't want to give that up. I've been even replacing components that have a power on/off toggle to discreet power ona nd power off controls for simplicity.
On a related note, I've been keeping an eye on this project: [www.remotecentral.com]
It's currently the most promising solution for a universal PS3 remote.
"PS3 system'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."
How about fixing the anemic piece-of-crud excuse of a PS3 Internet browser to stop getting "out of memory" errors when trying to freak'n browse the web?
It still amazes me that this hasn't been fixed. I can see getting it on the PSP's Internet browser as the hardware is pretty limited, but the PS3 is a total rockstar peice of hardware - why the hell is the Internet browser still broken???
@Lizard_King:
having a universal remote makes this problem very clear.
It is certainly very possible, an IR receiver that outputs a blutooth signal cant be too hard to produce.
I think the Blu-ray remote has been modded with an IR receiver for this very purpose, you place the remote next to the PS3 and then use an IR remote to control that.
@Julien321: No kidding. You think they would work on the basics of making a "true hi-def" experience by actually being able to decode hi-def audio.
The picture is just half of the movie - I much rather have the full movie experience than some web-enabled extras that I will never use.
Let's up DTS MA:HD is coming up in an updated soon.
I'm always amused by those who refuse to buy the PS3 because they cannot use a universal remote.
"Yes. An awesome games console. Best Blu-ray player on the market. Excellent SD upscaler. Great media server. Reasonable price for all in one box. But I won't buy one because I cannot use my existing IR remote."
Hilarious.
DivX (and WMV) format videos that are larger than 2GB will be playable.
w00t!
*sigh of relief*
I just bought one this weekend, and the prospect of it being obsolete soon (like my poor HDDVD player) was my only reservation.
@DelSource: So I'm supposed to use another remote? I have a tightly integrated system, and I used to own a PS3. I bought an open-box special, had a warranty issue, collected my free Blu Rays and sold it for what I bought it for because it didn't integrate with our setup. My wife and I talked about getting rid of one of the games consoles, and for now that is the PS3. I gave it a try, it didn't work.
When the main reason you are buying it is Blu Ray play (not games) why would IR remote not be an option? Why would the lack of it be objectionable? As a stereo component, the lack of an IR function is as plain as day, just as buying a component-based Blu Ray with a proprietary remote would be.
BTW, it's not an excellent SD upscaler, it is adequate, above-average AT BEST. My HD-A2 is noticably better (noticable in dark, moire-filled screens...mostly viewable on movies like Batman Begins and The Fountain)
Is 'Resume Play' remember just the last disc you ejected/stopped, or it will remember a bunch of them..._that_ would be cool.
It's sad that the PS3 is the ONLY good Blu-Ray player though. Says something about how poor a spec blu-ray really is.
Screwing over your early adopters of stand alone 1.x blu-ray players is the highest form of scum.
@Lizard_King: I hate to pick you out but come on already. The only excuse you have on posting in the PS3 sections is that theres no IR remote. Seriously, there are much more important issues than the remote issue.
@EnochLight: Hmm, I have not encountered that error yet. But then, I do my serious internet browsing on my computer.
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But anyways, this update sounds totally sweet! <3 PS3.
@axiomatic: Uhm... it's not screwing people over to sell what was the latest tech at the time. I don't think Nikon is a bunch of idiots for selling me a D200 that can't do a few things the D300 can...
OK, Blu-ray 2.0 - check. No 60 or 80 gig units left, not good in my eyes. 40 gb. no b/c, not good either. Remote control-no biggie. Most games OK to me now with great ones coming. Media server - pretty cool. Now, when the F@@@ should I buy one? Now or wait several months for a potentially better one? Advice please, seriously and thanks.
@imTheKing: No, I'm genuinely interested in the PS3 for Blu Ray playback, as long as it is the cheapest 2.0 player. I don't get involved in the Xbox vs. Playstation arguments because it is pure horseshit. I see you on here probably a lot, and I think you can tell I'm not a blind fanboy. I'll gladly buy a PS3 for BluRay again once I get a remote I can integrate with my system better (looking into the IR4PS3 kit). I wouldn't do the research if I werent interested.
I'm not at all sure any other issue I had with the PS3 (I'm not a huge fan of the controllers, never was) is as insurmountable as the remote...it was and is a real issue for me, but my wife hated it. She would rent DVDs instead of Blu Rays because she felt that handling two remotes increased complexity. I agreed.
The initial comment was only posted because of the "Best Player Ever". In order to claim that, I think they would have to have better power options. Having proprietary remote options is stupid - the remote in this case is worse than IR, worse than open RF. HOWEVER, Sony could fix that with a universal remote - if that is the plan, I eat my words and apologize for questioning Sony's Greater Plan.
I will question the PS3 being called a great component player purely on the remote issue. It is a great all-in-one media player, it is a great game platform, it is a great Blu Ray player. I've never said otherwise.
i'm with lizard king on the no IR bit, it's SO stupid.
if your tv didn't have IR and you had to use it's remote to turn it on every time you wanted to watch a movie it would get old REALLY fast. i paid a lot for my harmony for a reason, so i could hit 1 button and be ready to go. i don't need 7 remotes cluttering my coffee table.
call me lazy if you want, but i'm still calling sony stupid.
and yes i own one, and yes it's my main player, and yes i begrudgingly use 2 remotes
There is a IR PS3 remote. I got it a few weeks ago. Plug the receiver into a USB port and off you go. If you want you can configure it to your Harmony which I did.
[www.amazon.com]
On a side note, I just got my free HD DVDs in the mail from Toshiba...WHOOPADEDOO
@Lizard_King: I definitely agree with you that they should have the optional IR remote. I just dont think its as much of an issue. The PS3 itself is amazing for BR playback as well as upscaling of DVDs. I dont think the IR issue is a make or break buy though but I guess for some people it may be.
I REALLY NEED A PS3 NOW.
HURRAY! I need one a PS3, any price drops in the near future perhaps?
@Mathray: put it your own hard drive. it's easy to do.
@axiomatic: cry me a river.
@axiomatic: Yeah and that damn DVD when it was first released screwed over the early adopters by not providing Anamorphic picture, DTS audio, cd-r dvd-r or any recordable media for that matter, seamless branching, and some players wouldn't even play dual layer DVD's correctly. It really shows poor a spec DVD really is.
We really need to get back to the true format of choice, VHS!!
What's all the beef about an IR remote? I hate IR remotes. I've got the Bluetooth remote for the PS3 and it rocks - don't need a line of site to the PS3. Totally sweet.
@EnochLight: The browser running out of mem is annoying. Apparently, the ps3 has super fast memory, but not a lot of it, because games don't need a lot.
It's nice to hear they've sped up the browser though. And that remote control with the psp is also nice. Personally, I don't care about those extras on the blue-rays. Just another reason to jack up the price on them.
@EnochLight: I don't need line of sight either, I use an RF universal. That is the importance of the lack of an IR remote with the PS3. I can program my Niles Intellicontrol to control everything but my PS3 through RF. The only problem with the bluetooth remote is it is lacking the ability to use a universal.
@anfauglir: The add-on Ir remotes do not turn the unit on. My universal turns on all of my devices for a particular situation (like Harmony's Activities feature). I am currently looking into the IR4PS3 remote at the link I posted in my 2nd post on this topic. Fingers crossed it works at good as the bluetooth remote!
@imTheKing: I understand it is not important to most anyone but me. It still is something I think was overlooked. Believe it or not, it was make it or break it for me.
@Lizard_King: I actually hadn't even thought about that before I read your post. That's a bummer that most universal remotes IR but the ps3 is bluetooth.
I feel even more disgruntled now than I normally do! Thanks a lot!
I wonder how all the bitches on the internet manage to find each other on one site. The firmware has been upgraded to allow you to transport instantaneously to any point on the planet.....but waah waah it won't make me toast.
if it doesnt output the top of the line audio formats, dts HD and Dolby TrueHD, its not the "Best" blu-ray player... It may be the "best-deal" but not the "Best".
@Hardcore1: LMAO!!!!! U are hilarious.
And OMG people!!!!! get over the freaking IR remote, you cant have your something and eat it too(yea I forgot it)!!!!!
First, it cost to much, then they took out the b/c and no Dualshock. Then you get a great upgrade and whine about it.
@ SticksUWP: Na, it's still the best. Broken browser and all. ;^P
Does anyone else worry BD-Live just makes it easier for the studios to ram a ton of dynamic advertising content down our throats in addition to price gouging us with their movie prices? Just like the ads on the Web and more recently net connected video game consoles I fully expect the worst in advertising to come as a package with any positive bonus features from BD-Live. And with a BD Player we will not have the option of new software to block the ad spam.
I for one can live without BD 2.0...
"No other Blu-ray player on the market has this capability"
Yet EVERY HD DVD player ever released has this ability. Why did we pick this drm-crapware? Kind of a bad sign when the "Best Player Ever" doesn't even include a remote control. Good job letting the Sony fanboy drones pick the future of our optical media. Good job.
/bitter rant. And no, I didn't lose money on HD DVD gear. I actually made a killing by buying everything on sale, and selling it all for way more. It's about the principle.
@Lizard_King: If you have an RF dock for your Harmony or any other universal remote, it will be able to wake up and turn on your PS3.