Sony has just announced that PS3 firmware update 2.20 will be made available sometime later this month.

The big news in the firmware update is support for downloadable Movie content (pointless for SA users living with Hellkom) and Interactive games made possible by BD-LIVE support.

With the ability to take full advantage of interactive features, such as downloadable video content, ringtones, games, and more, BD-LIVE promises to offer PS3 users the ultimate interactive film experience. In addition to BD-LIVE, the system software update will enable photo and music playlists on a PS3 to be copied to a PSP™(PlayStation®Portable), as well as other new features.

To access Blu-ray Profile 2.0, users require an Internet connection and at least 1GB of local storage. Sony says that movies with BD-LIVE are scheduled for release next month.
This brings us to the state of Blu Ray in South Africa.

We haven’t seen new titles since the PS3 was released in this country (well, ok then and then again around Christmas) and all those copies of RV and Open Season are just sitting on the shelves.
Are South Africans immune to the wonder that is Blu-Ray? No… South Africans are simply astounded at the R300 – R350 per movie that the industry here thinks we are prepared to pay out. Compared to prices overseas, this is plain stupidity.

We loves our movies in glorious hi-def – but we don’t love them that much. Durban boys will just head down to the Lugs

The following new features will also be included in the system software update:

“Resume play” will enable PS3 to start playing a BD and DVD video at the point it was stopped, even if the disc had been removed.*1
“Audio Output Device” will be a new Remote Play setting, enabling PSP to serve as a remote control for music played through PS3.

PS3’s Internet browser will be enhanced: Video files directly linked from a Web page will be able to be streamed, and the browser’s view speed will be improved.

DivX and WMV format videos that are larger than 2GB will be playable.

“Mosquito Noise Reduction” will be added as an AV setting in the control panel of the DVD/BD player for improved movie playback.*2
*1 BD-J format disc is not supported.

*2 BD discs recorded with BDMV format are not supported.

Tags: Blu Ray, Durban, firmware update, HDTV, high definition, Movies, prices, PS3, Sony, television, Untitled