PlayStation 3 Firmware Update 2.30 Brings DTS-HD Master Audio

Wilson Rothman — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:07:19 EDT

Today, SCEA announced that the latest PS3 update, 2.30, would bring the ability to decode DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio tracks, that is to say, Blu-ray audio at variable bit rates up to 24.5Mbps, and 7.1 streaming of 96K/24-bit tracks. Does this make PS3 the best Blu-ray player ever? If you've got a receiver that can take an uncompressed audio stream of that magnitude via HDMI, then we think it does. UPDATE: To be clear, this decodes the DTS formats—plus Dolby's formats, including Dolby TrueHD—and outputs all channels via HDMI to a receiver that can take a 5.1 or 7.1 PCM stream. It won't do 5.1 or 7.1 analog output. Also, as some of you have noted, it does NOT bitstream the DTS or Dolby data to a decoder inside a newer decoder-equipped receiver.

The upgrade also contains new PlayStation store functionality—Japan preview shots in gallery, plus SCEA's details after the jump.

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that the next system software update for PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) system, slated for release next week, will add DTS-HD Master Audio™ and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, enabling consumers to enjoy Blu-ray movies with studio-quality, high-definition audio. The technologies, from DTS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DTSI), provide PS3 users with the complete high-definition Blu-ray movie experience, matching the format's crisp visuals with rich, lifelike sound. In addition to the new audio capabilities, the free system software update (v. 2.30) will allow PS3 owners to access the revamped PLAYSTATION®Store, as previously announced.
DTS-HD Master Audio brings Blu-ray movies on PS3 to life, delivering everything from explosive sound effects to intricate orchestral scores with pure, high-quality audio that is bit-for-bit identical to the original studio master. DTS-HD Master Audio has the capacity to deliver audio at the incredibly high variable rate of 24.5 mega-bits per second (Mbps) on Blu-ray disc, a rate significantly higher than standard DVDs. DTS-HD Master Audio also offers 7.1 audio channels at 96k sampling frequency/24 bit depths. More than 100 Blu-ray movies and concert videos featuring premium DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks are available.

Additionally, the DTS-HD High Resolution Audio codec allows content creators to deliver uncompromised, high-definition audio on Blu-ray, while requiring less disc space than DTS-HD Master Audio. DTS-HD High Resolution Audio streams audio at a high constant bit rate of 6.0 Mbps on Blu-ray discs, and is also capable of up to 7.1 audio channels at 96k sampling frequency/24 bit depth resolution, thereby producing outstanding sound quality.

Beyond enhancing PS3's audio capabilities, installing the latest system software update will also enable users to seamlessly access the new, more dynamic interface and enhanced navigation of the PLAYSTATION Store. As part of a revamp, the PLAYSTATION Store will transition from an integrated online storefront to an application living natively on PS3, enabling customers to more easily and quickly locate and purchase games, and download demos, game videos, Blu-ray movie trailers and other game-related content for PS3.

Denon's Next Gen Receivers: The Stuff Home Theater Dreams Are Made Of

Louis Ramirez — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 17:11:18 EST

I've always been a fan of Denon's A/V components and their newest line of receivers reinforces my infatuation. The sexy new boxes will include HDMI 1.3 inputs and support for both Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD. There aren't that many devices out there that support HDMI 1.3, but we've already seen some upcoming Samsung HDTVs that carry the new spec, which allows for better color support and a smoother HD image. A nice way to future-proof your home theater set up if you ask me. So what else does Denon have in store for us? Well, for one, their high-end model (AVR-4308CI) will have built-in Wi-Fi for Internet radio (a nice bonus on a receiver).

Their other high-end model (the AVR-3808CI) will only have Ethernet connectivity. (Both will be out in July). September will bring the AVR-1508 and the AVR-1708, both of which will have HDMI 1.3, but no internal Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD processing. Pricing has yet to be announced, though by the looks of it, you should be in good shape with whichever model you choose. – Louis Ramirez

Denon Next-gen A/V Receiver Specs Leaked? [Crave]

Gizmodo: DTS-HD

PlayStation 3 Firmware Update 2.30 Brings DTS-HD Master Audio

Denon's Next Gen Receivers: The Stuff Home Theater Dreams Are Made Of