PS3 firmware v1.90 adds (forced) 1080p24, expands AVCHD support
The PlayStation 3's latest firmware update is out in Japan, adding an option to force 1080p/24 Blu-ray/DVD playback to the console, among other features. Continuing the steady flow of updates for the PS3, v1.90 also adds playback for AVCHD files from Memory Stick or digital camera, upscaling for audio CD output over HDMI or optical output, the ability to change XMB wallpaper, adjust video output settings for PSOne and PS2 game while in game and an "eject disc" option on the XMB. The official PlayStation Blog says the update is "coming soon" to the U.S. so keep that 24fps-compatible HDTV ready for judder-free movie playback.Update: Added in this update is the ability to "force" 24fps output, which should fix compatibility issues with certain displays. (Thanks Mp3)
Read - PlayStation.Blog
Read - Impress
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mp3 @ Jul 23rd 2007 12:54PM
Hey - not to nitpick but 1.80 added 24p playback from Blu-ray discs. 1.90 just allows you to "force" it, whatever that means.
All in all I'm very happy to see Sony continuing to add features to a device I enjoyed right from the start.
Bloo @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:01PM
Does anyone know if the PS3 can internally decode DTS HD MA yet? I won't watch X-Men 3 until it does...
:)
Dave @ Jul 23rd 2007 1:52PM
OWNS!!!
Mike @ Jul 23rd 2007 2:46PM
Ha! I was just telling my friends that if the power on/off option from the controller wasn't enough, ejecting the disc from afar would further complete my conquest towards console laziness!
Now if only I didn't have to actually GET UP to change the discs, too! :)
Revels @ Jul 23rd 2007 2:55PM
The new Samsung M86/87 TVs have difficulty recognising a 24fps signal through HDMI. The TVs with the later firmware have sorted this out, so this'll help the folk with older sets.
Ryan @ Jul 23rd 2007 4:07PM
I just wish the PS3 would play the sound out of the RCA's hooked to my TV AND the optical hooked to my receiver. As it is now I have to dive into the menu system if I want to listen to a movie on the stereo then dive back in if I don't want to use the stereo. The xbox can do it, heck, the PS2 could do it.
Circle @ Jul 23rd 2007 5:41PM
Well, from an audio geek standpoint, running only one output at time is a good thing.
If you are running the digital out, the processing and boosting of the analog signal is a waste of resources and can cause unwanted crosstalk and intermodular distortion.
Not to say that it wouldn't be nice to have the option to run the analog, digital, or both. I'm just saying that I can see a plus side to this setup, as I wouldn't want the analog running while I was using the digital out.
SimbaDogg @ Jul 23rd 2007 9:00PM
I can tell you from an experienced standpoint that the crosstalk and waste of resourced that you speak of is almost non existant. There are literally thousands of devices on the market that do this same function, even dvd players as low as 30 bucks. Its definitely not
SimbaDogg @ Jul 23rd 2007 9:27PM
oops...didn't finish my post before adding:
its definitely not something that the processing power of the ps3 wouldn't be up to task for. i could imagine some units not doing component and hdmi at the same time, because there are a lot of units out there that cannot. but i would definitely be one to advocate for this. i would love to play some games late @ night just using the speakers on my tv, and not the whole av system
Kevin @ Jul 23rd 2007 10:35PM
Finally,
Wallpaper changing and Eject your disc without even getting up.
Now how to change discs without getting up and going to your PS3.
JBDragon @ Jul 24th 2007 12:08AM
Wow another long to download and install update that's pretty useless. HEY, How about some GAMES!!! Where are the GAMES?????
I still won't buy a PS3 anyway if there were some games I wanted to play on it since it FLAWED with that 1080i game display problem still.
RowdyReptile @ Jul 24th 2007 1:51PM
Wow.... complaining about having to "endure long download times" on a system that you dont even own... awesome. Actually I just completed my download and update in about the same time that it takes for me to recover my xbox live account every time I move between my two boxes (every day), dont even get started on a "wasted time by stupid required crap" argument. "this game, like every other game, requires an update from xbox live... oh wait, you were playing for the last 3 hours and didn't realize that you weren't logged into xbox live? oh I'm sorry, you'll have to start over, because you can't save while not signed in, and you can't sign in without the update, and you can't update without leaving the game, have a nice day!"
I'm just glad that for this update I didn't have to even get off my ass to go plug in my remote for the update!
Ryan @ Jul 24th 2007 10:45AM
I agree with SimbaDogg, it shouldn't be too taxing on the processor to play sound out of both and if it is then the audiogeeks could turn one or the other off instead of forcing it on the non-geeks.
Circle @ Jul 24th 2007 6:00PM
It has nothing to do with processing power.
The distortion is created by the power being used to amplify the analog signal, as well as possible bleed-over into surrounding circuitry/conductors as the amplified wave signal passes through the console. You're just going to have to trust me on this. It's what I do for a living.
It's not going to be a large amount, and it wouldn't be noticeable except on a quality audio system (and I'm not talking about a Best Buy Sony receiver that has the IM distortion equivalent of a car with a bad muffler). Even on a good system, it may not be audible. I'm just stating that there is a good reason for them to not run at the same time. Without a doubt, the best solution is to provide multiple options.
Anthony @ Jul 25th 2007 11:03AM
I really don't understand why people insist on talking about things they don't understand. Look, it's okay - nobody knows everything; we all have our fields of non-expertise. So, if you don't know about the physics and principles of audio feedback, then that's fine - just don't make silly, ridiculous comments like "the PS3 has the processing power" to allow for dual digital and analog audio output. While processing power obviously plays a fundamental role - handling the signal transfer, decoding, etc - it ultimately has very little to do with the quality of the audio output, and the issue of whether to allow dual output is not at all contingent upon the processor. The issue with a dual output set up is a more complex physical question as to things such as signal bleeding, signal dissonance, and mere signal loss. Essentially, it's a containment issue - think of it simply like this: the more avenues you provide an audio signal to travel, the more opportunity there is for a signal to dissipate, get lost, etc. Sure, the effects are subtle. Sure, most people wouldn't care if they had the option or not. But it's not about processing power - it's about audio integrity.
Anyway, back on point, I don't see any reason to be anything less than happy with this update. As long as they're improving customization options and features, it's silly to whine.
JeffDM @ Jul 31st 2007 6:15PM
I think the "forced" 24p means that the player doesn't fall back to 60i for 60i media or something like that. My projector doesn't seem to have a problem with 24p over HDMI and I really haven't had any major problems yet.
JeffDM @ Jul 31st 2007 6:25PM
Is the PS3 good enough of a device such that there would be a measurable or noticeable quality difference if unused video outputs are on? It's a very nice device in my opinion, but I don't think it's designed as or sold as a HiFi device.
Also, firmware updates don't take a long time, I think it was less than five minutes for me. So far, they haven't been forced either.