PS3 System Update 3.30

[RobertR1]

More of a 1080i 50hz issue, if I recall.

 

[Nesh]

Someone on GAF also mentioned that this update fixed region free Blu-Ray support for EU.

Does this mean that now we get region free support
or that the free region support is eliminated

 

[patsu]

More of a 1080i 50hz issue, if I recall.

Yes, I believe that's the case too.

 

[obonicus]

Yeah, or like, playing PAL formats on a US PS3.

There are actually some cool features in this, like an update to BC.

 

[tha_con]

There's a difference between EU region free discs from a US region free discs? Aren't they both region 0?
Is there some sort of SD encoding on there that botches things up (the old 50Hz/60Hz dilemma)?

Basically some content that was 50hz (EU Blu-Ray stuff on occasion) wouldn't play right on PS3, but for some odd reason, anything that was 50hz and digital worked fine, which meant it was just a minor bug.

It broke a lot of compatibility with some BBC Blu-Rays, to include the recently released LIFE. I really REALLY didn't want to watch it with Oprah at the Helm, so I'm really excited to get my imported version with some Attenborough greatness!

 

[patsu]

Yeah, or like, playing PAL formats on a US PS3.

There are actually some cool features in this, like an update to BC.

What BC update did they add ? Other than the Hori controller for PS2 BC fix ?

 

[obonicus]

Just that is enough for this to be a relatively good update -- I had figured that Sony had completely forgotten about BC and wasn't expecting a single BC update again.

I have to test a few non-standard controllers in PS2 games, though, will do so when I get home.

Edit: So no luck on extra BC controllers. But still, a BC update! Most exciting FW of the year so far.

 

[deathindustrial]

I'd sure love to see an NHL version of MLB.tv for the PS3. I am loathe to purchase a cable subscription when all I want is to watch the Canucks plus the odd Senators game.

 

[Oninotsume]

Originally Posted by corduroygt View Post
Update: This 3.30 update is more than meets the eye... as well as adding a Bitstream(mix) audio output option for optical digital connection.
What's that? DTS transcoding?

I'm really interested to know what kind of mixing occurs with this functionality.
Does anyone have an idea?

Thanks,
Oninotsume

 

[-tkf-]

http://www.ps3news.com/PS3-Online/sony-introduces-new-terms-of-service-and-user-agreement/

I guess that was also a part of the update

 

[patsu]

I'm really interested to know what kind of mixing occurs with this functionality.
Does anyone have an idea?

Thanks,
Oninotsume

The official note is as follow:

You can now select [Bitstream (Direct)] or [Bitstream (Mix)] under (Settings) > (Video Settings) > [BD Audio Output Format (Optical Digital)].

 

[Oninotsume]

Patsu,

Thank you for the response.

I understand where the setting is made, I am just
wondering what exactly it is that the setting does.

How is PCM being mixed with Bitstream, and how
does this affect the audio experience?

I tried it out with the AVATAR BD last night on my
optical 5.1 system, and it sounded fantastic, but
it may have sounded fantastic in the first place.

Oninotsume

 

[DieH@rd]

http://www.ps3news.com/PS3-Online/sony-introduces-new-terms-of-service-and-user-agreement/

I guess that was also a part of the update

OUCH!

From time to time, SCE may provide updates, upgrades or services to your PS3™ system to ensure it is functioning properly in accordance with SCE guidelines or provide you with new offerings.

Some services may be provided automatically without notice when you are online, and others may be available to you through SCE's online network or authorized channels. Without limitation, services may include the provision of the latest update or download of new release that may include security patches, new technology or revised settings and features which may prevent access to unauthorized or pirated content, or use of unauthorized hardware or software in connection with the PS3™ system.

Additionally, you may not be able to view your own content if it includes or displays content that is protected by authentication technology. Some services may change your current settings, cause a loss of data or content, or cause some loss of functionality. It is recommended that you regularly back up any data on the hard disk that is of a type that can be backed up.

So now they can change firmware without user knowledge, add/remove services, functionality, content, user settings...

 

[Gradthrawn]

OUCH!


So now they can change firmware without user knowledge, add/remove services, functionality, content, user settings...

Good ole blog level investigative journalism from PS3News (among others). From GAF:

It's definitely been in there as long as I remember.

EDIT: Which it turns out is "always". http://web.archive.org/web/200612060...3_eula_en.html

Secondly, I'm not sure the conclusion that they can change firmware based on the "Some services may be provided automatically without notice when you are online" statement, is a very well founded one.

EDIT

Although their definition of services further down does seem to include updates and security patches.

 

[obonicus]

Sure, but considering what an elaborate affair updating firmware is, does anyone really think they can do a 'stealth' update?

 

[patsu]

Patsu,

Thank you for the response.

I understand where the setting is made, I am just
wondering what exactly it is that the setting does.

How is PCM being mixed with Bitstream, and how
does this affect the audio experience?

I tried it out with the AVATAR BD last night on my
optical 5.1 system, and it sounded fantastic, but
it may have sounded fantastic in the first place.

Oninotsume

http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=87960&view=findpost&p=1541891

BD Audio Output Format (Optical Digital)

You can now select [Bitstream (Direct)] or [Bitstream (Mix)] under (Settings) > (Video Settings) > [BD Audio Output Format (Optical Digital)].

Bitstream (Direct) Set to output audio with the original digital signal prioritized.

Bitstream (Mix) Set to output audio that is first mixed with sound effects such as button sounds and then converted to bitstream format.
• If you select [Bitstream (Direct)], some portions of audio from the BD may not be played.

 

[patsu]

More on Qriocity:
http://www.sonyinsider.com/2010/04/22/sonys-qriocity-video-on-demand-service-now-available/

Qriocity is a streaming video on demand service (e.g. no download) partially introduced by Sony earlier this year during CES, and was set to debut on 2010 Sony BRAVIA TV’s, Blu-ray players, and several home theater systems in February. The service wasn’t activated until yesterday for the aforementioned devices and the related website is now live. It’s significance is so strong that it is a main icon on the XMB and as a button on many 2010 Sony remote controls that belong to networked TV’s and Blu-ray players.

May be PS3's mlb.tv is based on Qriocity tech ?

Looks like it will compete with the PSN video store (Downloadable purchase and rental models vs streaming rental. No subscription model like NetFlix's yet).

Qriocity has hundreds of HD ($5.99) and SD ($3.99) movies initially available, with titles from 20th Century 20th Century Fox, Disney, Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, The Weinstein Company, Lionsgate, Warner Brothers, Universal, MGM, and of course Sony Pictures. You can view on the Qriocity website which movie titles are available.

Qriocity judges your Internet connection and plays a bandwidth optimized version. With higher bandwidth connections (very easy in many markets), it could be that kind of solid 720p/1080i that leaves you satisfied. I would definitely love to see what the picture quality looks like in a 802.11n environment, or hardwired through ethernet.

What’s also interesting is that the PlayStation Network Terms of Service was altered yesterday with specific mention of Qriocity, which basically reveals that Qriocity is also coming to the PS3 (and possibly PSP):

"To access Sony Online Services, you must create an appropriate Sony Online Service account (either a PSN account or Qriocity account). Through Qriocity’s Video on Demand service (“VOD”), you may purchase and view content using selected BRAVIA televisions or Sony Blu-ray Disc players (“VOD Devices”). Through PSN, you may purchase content and services offered on either PSN or Qriocity, such as new levels for your favorite games, comics, movies, television shows or original programs. You may view your content using SCEA-authorized devices, including a PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) systems, personal computers and VOD Devices. You will also be able to participate in SCEA’s online community in PSN and PlayStation Home, (including chatting via voice and video with your friends) and play games online. Existing PSN accounts will not have to create a separate Qriocity account to enjoy the benefits of Qriocity. If you’ve created a Qriocity account, you may transition that account to a PSN account. Sony Online Services may not be available, or may not be supported, in some countries and some languages."

This is the first service for SOS.

EDIT: How in the world did those people miss the new EULA section on Qriocity and Sony Online Services ? Instead they zoomed into some non-news old statements ? >_<

 

[deathindustrial]

With the latest OS I was able to completely lock up the system by visiting:

http://watch.thecomedynetwork.ca/

The supposedly "updated" Flash version played an ad OK but then went off into the weeds as soon it got to the latest Colbert Report episode.

Drives me nuts that Flash can crash the PS3 badly enough to require a hard reset via the on/off button on the front. Hypervisor, you are fired.

Cheers

 

[patsu]

*Grunt* The video is not viewable from other regions.

I went to comedycentral.com. The site can't recognize the PS3 Flash Player. ^_^

I believe the Flash player was updated for "RyuTube"
http://www.youtube.com/ryuofficial

Browsing Youtube is faster. People are saying they fixed the main Youtube page when viewed on a PS3. I usually just go straight to the XL view.

Drives me nuts that Flash can crash the PS3 badly enough to require a hard reset via the on/off button on the front. Hypervisor, you are fired.

The Flash video runs in an SPU. It should not be able to crash the PS3. Perhaps the JavaScript is the one that froze your PS3 (deadlocked ?). It is usually the less stable of the two.


EDIT: It looks like they updated the DOM layout too. When I'm in Youtube XL, the UI elements are more responsive and less jumpy now.

 

[Xenus]

Yeah I have troubles with it playing ads on the funimation site and then hard locks. Hopefully they at least fixed the ads issue.