New PS3 firmware update today

Author: Tim Smalley
Published: 24th May 2007
Comments (10) Stumble
New PS3 firmware update today

With the 1.8 firmware update, Sony’s PS3 can now upscale PS1 and PS2 games, along with DVDs to a full 1080p.

Sony has announced that there will be a PlayStation 3 firmware update available for download today, patching systems to version 1.8.

The new patch will unlock full 1080p upscaling for PS1 and PS2 games, providing you’ve got a compatible HDTV.

It’s unclear whether the update will allow North American and Japanese PlayStation 3’s to upscale PS1 and PS2 games though, because these versions of the console use a dedicated PS2 chip for backwards compatibility with previous-generation titles.

In contrast, the European console doesn’t feature the PS2 chip for backwards compatibility and it emulates through software instead. This has caused problems with a lot of titles – you only have to go through Sony Europe’s compatibility list.

In addition, the update adds DVD upscaling to 1080p too, bringing the PS3 in line with other Blu-ray players in terms of functionality.

PSP owners will now be able to control their PS3 consoles remotely from anywhere in the world, providing both consoles are connected to a broadband Internet connection. You will also need to have the version 3.5 firmware installed on your PSP – this isn’t due for release until the end of May.

Finally, probably the most intriguing feature update is support for a selection of Epson printers. This will allow the user to print photos stored on the PS3’s hard drive or an inserted storage device.

These feature updates prove Sony’s desire to make the PS3 the complete home entertainment hub, but how many PS3 owners are going to use all of the new features? Drop into the forums and let us know your thoughts.
Quote mikeuk2004 24th May 2007, 12:29
Support for printers is very interesting. Wonder if you can do print outs from the web browser or take screen shots and print. That would be good.

Just hope that they are thinking of adding other branded printers as I hate Epsom
Quote HugoB 24th May 2007, 13:01
Yay to proper 1080p upscaling support! Now I can transfer my VHS films to DVD and watch them in 1080p glory!!! (that last bit is a joke btw)
Quote Omnituens 24th May 2007, 13:17
shame the EU PS3 wont play my US copy of Front Mission 4

it looks awful on my Dell 2407, all the jaggies are so in your face :(
Quote devdevil85 24th May 2007, 18:27
Well I guess Europeans have a feature that may NOT be on the US/Japan versions. Wasn't expecting that.....also that's something that's pretty sweet for later on down the road as you won't have to put up with the crappy half screen feel that most people get right now when watching old movies and analog TV. The printer support is kind of a joke since it only works with Epson. Idk anyone who owns an Epson tbh. Either way they are filling the whole dug so that's a plus.
Quote Bauul 24th May 2007, 19:00
Who approached who, Sony or Epson, I wonder. It is an interesting feature, though to be honest I'm struggling to think of much you'd be bothered enough to go get an Epson printer and set it up, just for a PS3 printout of a game's scoreboard or something. Consoles and printers don't seem the most natural of companions IMHO.
Quote mmorgue 25th May 2007, 09:42
i suppose anything that increases the functionality and scale of the PS3 is a good thing. Tho i would have preferred to see Canon or HP for the compatible printers. Oh well.

Would have much preferred a PS3 <-> PC link for accessing movies, music, etc.
Quote sandys 25th May 2007, 10:36
Quote:
Originally Posted by mmorgue
Would have much preferred a PS3 <-> PC link for accessing movies, music, etc.

Thats in this release via DNLA just not mentioned in Bit techs news article, get full release info here

http://uk.playstation.com/help-support/ps3/guides/detail/item65498/Update-features-(ver-1-80)

Quote:
An update to the PS3 system software was released on May 24, 2007. If you update your PS3 system, the system software
version will be 1.80 and the following features will be updated.

Main features that are new or revised in version 1.80

* Upscale game or DVD output

You can now upscale the video content of PlayStation format software, PlayStation 2 format software, or DVDs to HD resolution.

* Using remote play (via the Internet)

You can now use remote play over the Internet.

* Copying saved data to a memory card

You can now copy saved data from PlayStation format software or PlayStation 2 format software to a memory card or a memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2).

* Using the DLNA client feature

You can now display images, or play music or video files, that are stored on a personal computer or digital video recorder with DLNA server functionality over a network.
Other new or revised features in version 1.80

Settings

* [BD 1080p 24 Hz Output (HDMI)] has been added as an option under [BD/DVD Settings].
* [RGB Full Range (HDMI)] has been added as an option under [Display Settings].
* [Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr Super White (HDMI)] has been added as an option under [Display Settings].
* [Bit Mapping (Super Audio CD)] has been added as an option under [Music Settings].
* The [Test Camera] option under [Accessory Settings] has been changed to [Camera Device Settings].
* [Printer Settings] has been added.
* [Media Server Connection] has been added as an option under [Network Settings].

Music

* You can now edit CD information.

Photo

* A new type of slideshow display pattern has been added.
* You can now use zoom display for images.
* You can now trim images.

Video

* Super-White and x.v.Colour output are now supported.
* Downscaled output of Blu-ray Discs is now supported. When 720p is selected for the video output setting of the PS3 system, Blu-ray Discs that were recorded with 1080i/1080p resolution can be played with 720p resolution.

Game

* You can now move copy-prohibited saved data for PlayStation format software or PlayStation 2 format software to a PS3 system.

Network

* The options menu items for [Download Management] have been changed.

Friends

* [Display Photo] has been added to the voice / video chat options menu.
Quote mmorgue 25th May 2007, 11:08
@sandys

Thanks! ;)

Sadly I can't see PS3 official site at work.. blocked! :(
Quote sandys 25th May 2007, 11:09
It might be because the link I have posted doesn't put the last ) on.
Quote themax 25th May 2007, 12:18
I ran the update yesterday and also noticed the movies stored on the HDD of my PS3 were also being upscaled. My TV was showing a 1080i resolution for them.
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