Firmware 1.8 expands PS3 media capabilities

Thursday 24th May 2007, 04:04:00 PM, written by Carl Bender

Released for download earlier today, PS3 firmware 1.8 improves upon the media capabilities of Sony's console by incorporating many features long desired by A/V enthusiasts. Having already earned a reputation as an excellent Blu-ray player, today's update introduces 1080p/24hz output support, allowing for the elimination of judder on film-based content when played through receivers and televisions capable of accepting such a signal. After months of anticipation Sony has enabled DVD upscaling up to 1080p as well, with additional ROM-centric playback improvements including the correction of blacker-than-black and whiter-than-white issues and the ability to output Blu-ray content at a target resolution of 720p as an alternative to 1080p/1080i. Previously known as a mediocre option for playback of standard definition DVD content, a firmware 1.8-enabled system now passes all HQV cadence, interlacing, detail, and text side-scrolling quality tests, becoming what is in fact one of the best upscaling DVD players on the market.

Similar to its DVD upscaling, the Playstation has gained the ability to upscale PS1 and PS2 games played on the system. A newly selectable option under 'Game Settings' allows for the user to opt for a smoothed appearance on such titles in order to reduce the jaggedness associated with upscaling on digital displays as well; however, the realworld result can be images some users may consider overly soft.

Beyond improvement as a BD/DVD player, firmware 1.8 introduces several additional feature-related enhancements. Among these, the system has gained full 'Remote Play' support, allowing for Sony's PSP handheld to access media content stored on an associated PS3 from anywhere in the world, provided that both consoles have an Internet connection and the requisite firmware. The PS3 has further expanded its media center functionality by becoming a fully compliant DLNA playback device, capable of finding and displaying media content stored on a network with an active DLNA server(s).

Finally, photo functionality is enhanced with included zoom functionality and a new 'photo album' slideshow style. Support for certain Epson printers is added as well, allowing for the option to print photos directly from the PS3.

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