PS3 to get upscaled DVDs, 1080p/24, SACD
Ok, so the PlayStation 3 wasn't exactly the most flexible high def device out of the gate; despite Sony's claims, DVDs aren't upscaled, there's no component out, and from what we've heard, even though its HDMI 1.3 output technically supports 1080p/24 (for the uninitiated, that's 24fps to match a film master print), we understand it's not yet playable as such. (Note: we've yet to try 1080p/24, as we don't have any media mastered thusly.) However, this could change according to a translated Impress interview of Sony PS3 A/V developers. Obviously something is bound to be lost in translation, but if the text reads correctly then the PS3 will not only be getting better software SACD support, but it'll also get user-selectable internal YCrCb image processing (instead of RGB -- although we've yet to hear of component output plans), 1080p/24 support, and will finally allow for DVD upscaling as well. We have no idea exactly when this will happen (or why this wasn't made clearer to us US-dwelling videophiles) but apparently Kutaragi-san and the gang are on the case -- godspeed, PS3 team.[Thanks, David]
Update: we printed the PS3 would be getting SACD support. Supposedly it's already got that, but future version will have better sound and dynamic range. So there!
Read - Impress (new audio support)
Read - Impress (new video support)
Read - Beyond3D translation
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ken F @ Nov 30th 2006 8:02PM
>> but it'll also get user-selectable internal YCrCb image
>> processing (instead of RGB -- although we've yet to hear of
>> component output plans)
YCrCb is the native colorspace used by DVD and Blu-ray. Currently, the PS3 converts YCrCb -> RGB for output through HDMI, and as a result, peak whites and blacker-than-black (BTB) are clipped, resulting in some loss of shadow detail.
The next firmware update should address that issue.
Mando Fletes @ Nov 30th 2006 10:07PM
Not sure what you mean by "there's no component out", but surely you're not suggesting you can't output via a component cable, I am I being dense?
walk2k @ Dec 1st 2006 7:04PM
Yeah I know, he says that twice.
I guess it's because Sony didn't indclude the component cables that only some customers would even use in the standard package (because Sony is evil and hate their customers of course that's the reason). He doesn't know that you can get PS2 component cables (they are the same) for $10 at Target.com or a HDMI cable for $5 at Monoprice.com
Toby @ Nov 30th 2006 11:55PM
hoping not to show my ignorance here, but how would these upgrades be accomplished on existing units?
humpty @ Dec 1st 2006 12:31AM
If you're connected, it will ask you if you want to upgrade; choose yes and it does it for you. Else, the upgrades come on certain game discs.
Dave @ Dec 1st 2006 4:36AM
It think that with this move Blu-ray wins!
"Full rate H.264 (40Mbps) using less than half the computing power available. Aren't the Microsoft dev team saying the Xbox 360 is pushed to its limit for 30Mbps H.264?"
:D
http://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=3814
Josh @ Dec 1st 2006 7:00AM
"Full rate H.264 (40Mbps) using less than half the computing power available. Aren't the Microsoft dev team saying the Xbox 360 is pushed to its limit for 30Mbps H.264?"
I haven't heard that. However, if it is true, they could run the H.264 stream through the GPU and have plenty of headroom.
attack11 @ Dec 1st 2006 7:51AM
twice the cores, twice the parallel power? i don't see how 2 streams is useful; plan to watch 2 movies on the same screen at once? it's one of those ps3 rumors you hear, like being able to launch nukes. lol.
Jon @ Dec 1st 2006 10:14AM
"It think that with this move Blu-ray wins!"
I don't think anyone watching a movie actually cares what's going on inside the box...they only care about what's on their TV screen. So I'm not sure how your making a connection with technical specs and actual adoption of Blu-Ray???
I personaly would think it to be allot more impressive if there were 7 feisty midgets dancing around inside my TV set to get the movie to show...but at the end of the day it's still just a movie.
Robert @ Dec 1st 2006 9:43AM
"It think that with this move Blu-ray wins!"
I don't think so, even though Blu-ray is the more advanced technology, the HD DVD addon for the Xbox 360 is already the best selling accessory for the 360 even though it has only been out for a little over 3 weeks. The estimates are HD DVD will have over 10 times the install base by year end over Blu-ray and that's assuming a fair sales push for stand alone Blu-ray players and every PS3 selling out. Factor into that not every PS3 owner is going to buy Blu-ray movies and the only reason a 360 would purchase the HD DVD addon is to watch movies.... well I hope you get the picture.
HD DVD are releasing an avg of $5 less than Blu-ray title as well. Blu-ray has a long, long road ahead just to stay in the game.
Kaos @ Dec 2nd 2006 3:27PM
Youve got to be kidding me if you actually think HDDVD and the 360 addon have a chance to compete with every PS3 that will be sold in the next few months and years well talking about millions and millons by next year alone. Blu-ray will win just with outnumbering HDDVD addons and standalone boxs alone not to mention all the superior movie studio support it has.
HDDVD had a nice run while it lasted but it'll be over very soon for that format the more people buy PS3 even if they dont all use it as a BD player. Even if less than 30% of PS3 users use it for BD playback HDDVD will still be outnumbered.
Larry @ Dec 1st 2006 11:15AM
I am not sure how a story about PS3 getting the ability to upscale DVDs turns into a BluRay/HD-DVD debate. I am not interested in a PS3, but it is nice to hear they will fix the problem, maybe.
To correct Dave the Microsoft rep said they were pushing the cores harder than anyone other Gears of War to do HD-DVD. That does not mean the Xbox360 is matched out just that they are utilizing more of the processing power than most of the games to date.
MrSatyre @ Dec 1st 2006 2:36PM
Not sure why you can't simply pop in a Blu-ray movie to test the 1080p/24Hz output as most Blu-ray movies are mastered at 1080p/24Hz (24fps). It sounds like you are confusing what your display is actually capable of (most 1080p displays will only handle 60Hz natively, not 24Hz, and run at 60Hz in 3:2, instead of 24Hz capable displays which will run at either 60Hz in 3:2 or 72Hz in 3:3), and what the content is and what the player can output.
Bill Gates @ Dec 3rd 2006 9:14AM
@Kaos
No kidding...Most people will not have their PS3 in their living room, and they will not be paying twice as much for a lesser quality player.
Isagani @ Dec 3rd 2006 10:55AM
good to hear they are working on these things... now when i finally find a ps3 to buy maybe this update will be out and i'll have a better first experience with the new console.
HyperHacker @ Dec 4th 2006 2:35AM
Bet the update "fixes" the "bug" that allowed you to copy the games from Linux too. Almost makes me wonder if they did this intentionally so they could offer an update everyone would want once a few exploits were found.
pimpdee976 @ Dec 5th 2006 3:31PM
does this update the 1080i problem that the ps3 has?
a2 @ Dec 7th 2006 10:33PM
I would love to see a review of the PS3's blu-ray capabilities.
jcurran01 @ Dec 29th 2007 2:16PM
(Note: we've yet to try 1080p/24, as we don't have any media mastered thusly.)
Wait? Are some BluRay DVDS not mastered in 24hz?
I just bought a PS3 for the BluRay, and my TV accepts 1080p but downscales to 768p. And the picture is not the JAW DROPPING picture of a blu ray with a 1080p set.
SO, I'm returning it.
To me, it looks like an upscaled DVD player. And to the average consumer, they will all be pretty angry when they get home and find out their big purchase of a BluRay or HDDVD from what they saw in the store is VERY different from what they have at home.
A HUGE difference.
Can anyone help here?