PS3 firmware update 1.8 on 5/24/7 THIS IS HUGE!!!

[FudgeNuggets]

Count on me doing a comparison review of the upscaling on the PS3 DVDs VS my LG/Zenith DVB318 1080i Upscaling DVD Player (which is supposedly second only to the ludicrously priced Denon)!

I'll also finally be getting God of War 1&2 and Bully thanks to this update.


http://www.gamespot.com/news/6171401.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;2

[FudgeNuggets]

update: Upscaling only works via HDMI, no upscaling to 1080i over component.

DAMN YOU SONY!!!

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=76801

[FudgeNuggets]

update2:
Apparently there is some confusion/controversy over whether or not HDMI will be required. I bet it is, but I'll post for CERTAIN tomorrow.
http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/47088

[deception``]

Good that they're adding functionality to the console with [relatively] frequent updates. DVD Upconversion is a HUGE plus for many people. Said updates might make the PS3 even more attractive once it gets some blockbuster titles.

deception``

[tenchi86]

Pretty cool. Really do not care about the DVD upscaling but PS2 games in HD certainly sounds nice.

Upscaling Games and Movies
SCEA is enhancing the PS3 user experience by enabling PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games to be upscaled to HD resolution, up to 1080p. Classic games as well as recently released titles can now be enjoyed like never before. And PS3 system now has the capability to upscale DVD videos to HD quality (up to 1080p), a feature typically limited to top-of-the-line DVD players. Upscaling games requires an HDMI or component AV cable, while upscaling DVD-ROM (including DVD Video content) requires an HDMI cable and HDMI compatible TV set. http://threespeech.com/blog/?p=417

I am using a HDMI to DVI cable, I wonder how this will work for me.

[FudgeNuggets]

Pretty cool. Really do not care about the DVD upscaling but PS2 games in HD certainly sounds nice.

http://threespeech.com/blog/?p=417

I am using a HDMI to DVI cable, I wonder how this will work for me.

you won't have a problem. I could get a HDMI to component converter but the cheapest one out there is $160 and that's too much money to spend just to be able to unhook my upscaling dvd player

[Hazaro]

http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4372&NewsAreaID=2

HDMI compatible TV sets, some copyright protection thing I guess. This is huge news, along with streaming and PC connectivity. Need a US PS3 is all.

*Some games never hurt too

[YOO]

i ask this..........so i have this sony 50" DLP HDTV and it only does 720p 1080i
i dont buy blue ray movies because they dont play at 720p. will this update fix this?

[tenchi86]

Yoo: Rumors are saying the Blu-Ray will now work at 720P (AVSForums) but nothing official.

Fudge: I meant to mention this earlier but could not find a decent link. DVD Upscaling over Component cables is illegal. It can only be preformed over VGA and HDMI or by players built before the restriction was implemented, so really not Sonys fault. Here is one link I could find but nothing official. http://kotaku.com/gaming/ps3/ps3-getting-dvd-upscaling-240896.php








http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/6024/dvdendi5.jpg



http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/3314/gameenvp2.jpg



(http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.ps3fanboy.com/media/2007/05)

[FudgeNuggets]

My DVD player upscales over component but it was imported and hard to find at that.

[tenchi86]

Downloaded it but yet to really test it. Added some really nice features from what I can tell and also apparently did a few unannounced things such as fix the Handshaking issue with some TVs, and full range colors through HDMI. I will have to check out the upscaling and smoothing tomorrow, really hoping it makes FFXII more enjoyable.

[FudgeNuggets]

Ok, here goes:

Upscaling DVDs over component DOES NOT work

Upscaling PS1/PS2 game DOES WORK over component

I gave it a test by tossing in GTA San Andreas
1. You have to set the screen to in the PS3 options to stretch as it'll show 4:3 if you don't

2. The difference in upscaling to 1080i on a PS2 game is not as dramatic as upscaling a DVD to 1080i. The textures were smoother and less jaggy but it was still definately old last gen looking still. I'm still going to give the God of War games and Bully a shot though.

[tenchi86]

Here is a brief list of what I can tell was added so far.

*DVD Upscaling -1080P
*PS1/2 Upscaling -1080P
*Full Range RGB Color Output
*Hand shacking Issue fixed
*Guitar Hero now works with adapter
*Whites White Color output
*Media streaming from PC
*Ability to print images on the PS3 through your home printer
*Image Quality adjustment added to BR Menu
*Blu-Ray can now output at 1080P/24 instead of 1080P/60
*720P Blu-Ray output
*BTB and WTW Support

If I missed any or something is wrong please let me know.

[FudgeNuggets]

well the media streaming is only for certain RARE devices and the printing only works with a handful of Epsons...... so beware of those.

[tenchi86]

Rare devices? From what I have been reading it is working with nearly everyones computer simply through WMP11 with media sharing turned on, and applications like NeroHome, or even EyeConnect for the Mac users.

[FudgeNuggets]

Rare devices? From what I have been reading it is working with nearly everyones computer simply through WMP11 with media sharing turned on, and applications like NeroHome, or even EyeConnect for the Mac users.


hmmmm... Everywher I read said it had to be a DNLA certified machine, I went to the wiki and the list of certified machines was rather small. If it does work with WMP11, and EyeConnect then that'd be wavy-gravy..

http://www.unclegamer.com/news/discuss/playstation_3_firmware_18_to_include_1080p_upscali ng_for_movies_and_games/

[tenchi86]

Well I ran into some more comparisons which are IMO much better, so here they are. (This batch is from Neogaf.com) If anyone cares to upload some themselves please do, I am lacking a camera so I am unable to. (Turn 480P Off in PS2 games, if it is on the PS3 will not upscale)

Note: Can we please get a 56k Warning on this thread or should I just make a new thread for comparison shots?

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/249/comp1uf0.jpg

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9683/comp2if4.jpg

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4116/comp3eu7.jpg

http://img159.imageshack.us/img159/1975/comp4gh5.jpg

http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/6258/comp5ub4.jpg





Looks like a pretty good improvement for the most part. DVD wise SS do not seem to be much different, though people claim the video itself is.

[tenchi86]

hmmmm... Everywher I read said it had to be a DNLA certified machine, I went to the wiki and the list of certified machines was rather small. If it does work with WMP11, and EyeConnect then that'd be wavy-gravy..

http://www.unclegamer.com/news/discuss/playstation_3_firmware_18_to_include_1080p_upscali ng_for_movies_and_games/


DNLA can also be done by software. Nero MediaHome works the best right now as it allows transcoding, but any program that allows DNLA is able to work.

Here is a quick guide for you Fudge, though this is really for Windows not Mac.
I've noticed alot of people on here with media sharing issues. It's actually quite easy and uncomplicated.

All you need to do is:


Download and install Windows Media Player 11 (as I'm sure many of you already have).
Click on the Library tab
On the left you'll see a tree structure. Right click on Library in the tree structure.
Click Media Sharing
Enable your options, what folders, devices, etc. Further explanation (http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=ps3media&message.id=45002#M45002)
When your PS3 turns on and scans, Windows will pop up and ask if it's ok to allow the device. Allow it.
Then on your PS3 you should be able to browse your files and play the ones that the PS3 supports (mpeg, mp3, photos).

PS: Windows Media Player does not have to be open for media sharing to function. The computer and PS3 only need to be connected to the same router. The router should be UPnP enabled (Universal Plug-n-Play).

Also, remember to add files to the Windows Media Player library so they will be shared. Media Player can automatically scan for files. When I browse files on my PS3, I tend to browse by folder, so I don't worry about organization within Media Player or playlists.

Known PS3 Supported Formats (please let me know if I've missed any):
MPEG
MPG
MP3
WAV
WMA
MP4
JPEG
JPG
BMP
GIF

Other known media servers:
Nero Ultra Edition (http://www.nero.com/enu/index.html)
Windows Media Player 11 (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/11/default.aspx)
TVersity (http://www.tversity.com/)
Twonkymedia (http://www.twonkyvision.de/UPnP/index.html)
EyeConnect (Mac) (http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/26068)

If all else fails, you can try this info from our good friend Revo77. (http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=ps3media&message.id=45118#M45118)
http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=ps3media&thread.id=44882

[FudgeNuggets]

I'm DEFINATELY going to check into EYECONNECT. BTW..... What is meant by turn off 480P in PS2 games, is that a setting on the PS3 or an in-game setting?

[Elif Tymes]

Hmm, and the PS3 starts disrobing... I wonder if Sony has this planned as an elaborate striptease, pulling off the coverings of its inner functionality and power throughout the next few months?

[Hazaro]

I'm DEFINATELY going to check into EYECONNECT. BTW..... What is meant by turn off 480P in PS2 games, is that a setting on the PS3 or an in-game setting?

Under the settings, you can select what mode it runs in. 480i-1080p
Simply uncheck the 480p box.

[FudgeNuggets]

Under the settings, you can select what mode it runs in. 480i-1080p
Simply uncheck the 480p box.

Oh yeah, I have everthing but 1080i unchecked there.

[tenchi86]

Actually I am talking about in the PS2 game itself. If progressive scan or 480P is turned on in the PS2 game, then the PS3 will refuse to upscale it. (Not all PS2 games support progressive of course, but ones like God of War do)

[FudgeNuggets]

Actually I am talking about in the PS2 game itself. If progressive scan or 480P is turned on in the PS2 game, then the PS3 will refuse to upscale it. (Not all PS2 games support progressive of course, but ones like God of War do)

So, I guess there's an option in the game menu to shut it off? Because the screenshot you had above of God of War looked marketedly improved.

[tenchi86]

Yes, in the game there is an option to turn it off. Keep in mind also the game does not look that bad, that image is pretty zoomed in and converted to JPG so it lost some quality.

[PYROMANIAC]

by the way, using nero mediahome to stream is not very good, the program crashes a lot for me and nero scout is very slow.

i downloaded tversity( it seems to be free too ) and it works flawlessly. it transcodes very quickly so i can play .avi files on the ps3 without delay. i'd recommend tversity if you do not have wmp11(i use win2k). tversity is also a very lite program and so far works pretty damn well