Sony releases PS3 firmware 1.3, ignores 1080i woes [Updated]
By Paul Miller 
posted December 6th 2006 9:27AM
posted December 6th 2006 9:27AM
[Via Impress; thanks Caleb C.]
Update: Well, we don't have a 1080i set to test it on, but from what it sounds like, perhaps this 1080i bug could be fixed after all. We received an email this afternoon from Sony, (pasted in full after the break) about firmware 1.3, and while it does not specifically address the bug, it does sound like it's been fixed. Check it out.
[Quoted]
Sony Computer Entertainment America today introduced new features and settings to the PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system as part of the latest firmware update, version 1.30. Among the key updates is support for a Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) remote control and the ability to select the output format for BD/DVD video through an HDMI cable.
In addition to offering developers the ability to create more immersive games, the Blu-ray format delivers the ultimate in high-definition video through the highest resolution available today (1080p). Now PS3 owners can register a remote control for easier playback of movies on BD discs. The Bluetooth®-enabled remote control will be available at retail later this month for $24.99. Also, to suit your TV's specification, you can now select the video output format (automatic, RGB, or Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr) for Blu-ray disc playback using an HDMI cable.
In addition to the updates related to the Blu-ray player, firmware 1.30 includes the following.
- Selecting video output resolution has changed, allowing you to choose all the resolutions supported by the TV. The video will automatically be displayed at the maximum resolution possible, according to the following order: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, Standard (NTSC).
- Backup utility has been added as a feature under System Settings, enabling you to back up your PS3's hard disk data to storage media or restore data from storage media to the hard disk.
- USB peripherals designed for PlayStation®2 titles, including steering wheels and flight sticks, can now be used when playing PlayStation 2 games on the PS3 system.
The PS3 hasn't even been out for a month yet. Even the Xbox 360 had serious launch issues, but it's been a year now and the biggest issues seem, for the most part, to be worked out. Give the console some time to mature and I think most people will be pleased. I think Bill Gates was right: Xmas '07 will be the real battleground because by then, Sony will have time to get some truly nice games out and the console will have matured quite a bit. We can gripe and moan and complain, but let's not be unreasonable, here. Let's give them some time to work out their problems before we break out the Capslock button in the comments :) And yes, those who early adopted to these kinds of TVs accepted that this kind of thing could happen, but it doesn't mean Sony shouldn't do something about fixing this problem. But from what I understand, it doesn't seem like this problem affects a lot of people, statistically speaking. If that's the case, I hope people won't exacerbate the issue into being bigger than it might be.
Maybe we should just petition the game developers to make nothing but 1080 games; then everybody wins!!
Is anyone having any problems with signing onto PS Online after updating with 1.31?
For anyone with 1080i problems and a PS3, I have the answer!
Buy a Nintendo Wii, play an energetic game and get your hands nice and sweaty.
The controller will fly across the room and trash your TV. Problem solved -- off to the shops for a new model that works with another resolution, without having to answer difficult questions from your loved ones.
Remember kids, there is always and Engineering Solution out there.
First off, i'm far from being an expert on any of this video crap, but having had similar conversations in the audio field with it's on particular set of quirks, i'd just like to put in my $.02.
First, 90% of the people out there spending their money on PS3s are not going to be using any sort of high def video display. They're all going to be using the 15" NTSC tv in their bedroom/livingroom and not getting anything out of it anyway.
Second, 90% of the people that actually DO have high def capabilities, probably don't know what the hell they're doing with their gear anyway, and will probably end up using NTSC video connections, and then having their TV stretch it out to look WAY worse than the worst scaling between whatever digital resolutions.
Thirdly (and finally), the 90% of the remaining people that do know how to set up their HD sets and PS3 probably couldn't actually tell too much of a differance between the various scaling options, and will just be happy to brag to their friends that they have an HDTV and a PS3.
bunch of cry babies! why would a company put out a fix for something that would allow you to use competitor tv sets? are you that blind and ignorant to not see sony wants game players to only use sony products. how the hell do you think they are going to make money if they lose money on each console sold. you just paid a shit load of money on a system why are you settling for a substandard tv? It is widely know that true hdtv is hdmi with 1080p. 1080i is just another version of 780p.
Okay...when someone, read: Sony, says I can play games in HD, I take that shit on faith that I can unless they mention a caveat or some other exception to the rule either on the box, in the manual, or on some other clearly visible area. I shouldn't have to go research up the yin-yang to find out 720p is the only option (I'm talking about Resistance here as well as a few other titles) before plunking down my hard earned cash.
I have an HDTV (1080i; non 720p). In the meantime If/when a 1080i patch is released I'm stuck with 480p. Am I whining about it? No. I did my due diligence by perusing the manual and reading lots of reviews (unfortunately none mentioned the issue I am now having). So I think it is more than fair to feel snubbed here.
And you snotty punks out there who are saying I should "suck it up" can eat a $#%@.