PS3 firmware v2.30 walkthrough: DTS-HD MA support / new PS Store included
By Darren Murph 
posted April 10th 2008 11:12AM
posted April 10th 2008 11:12AM
Oh sweet mercy, what have we here? A sneak peek (on video) of the looming PlayStation Store revamp and a confirmation of DTS-HD Master Audio output in the next PS3 firmware update, that's what. Over on the PlayStation Blog, we're casually walked through the impending v2.30 update, and just as we had heard, Blu-ray fans can shout in unison as the inclusion of their favorite audio codec (as well as DTS-HD High Resolution Audio) is just days away. Word on the street has v2.30 headed down the pipes on April 15th, and if you're eager to catch a glimpse of some more stills from the made-over PS Store, head on over to Joystiq.
Read - PlayStation 3 firmware v2.30 walkthrough video
Read - Revamped PlayStation Store images
Read - DTS' own confirmation of the good news (Thanks, sTeViO!)
IR remotes seem so archaic to me now. Years ago I got a satellite system which used a type of RF remote and holy crap, that is so superior. Since BT is a bit more standardized I see the change from IR to BT as actually going somewhere. At least I hope so, because ever since I got used to not having to point and shoot at my TV, I really don't want to go back.
I sure hope they fix the .mp4 streaming problem with this release. It made my $600 media center a $600 game machine only.
I hope mkv support is also in this firmware.
MKV is not gonna be there. Trust me. It's too obscure a format for a company like Sony to push into this update. Especially when the only place I've actually seen it used is on Bittorrent sites, and I'm pretty sure Sony's not too hot on supporting a format that's primary usage seems to be in pirated downloads.
Besides, I think DTS-MA and the new store are big enough updates for this go round.
Now that everyone will stop whining for DTSHD-MA support, whats the next reason to sh*t on the PS3?
In game XMB. And price, a perennial favorite of the complainers.
As a PS3 owner, I too would like in-game XMB. The price, however, I think is fine so long as you want what it comes with, such as wireless connectivity. The online play just needs to get improved, because compared to PSN, Xbox Live is worth the money.
@John
By contrast, also as a PS3 player, I dont see the need for in game XMB.
What I do see the need for is in game message system. Let me receive and reply to messages, but that's about all I need. I believe custom music should be up to the game developers. Playing Silent Hill while listening to Faith Hill would take so much away from the game... And some games already have options to join games where friends are (see Warhawk for one).
As to the online play needing improvement, I had Live up until sometime last year, and let me tell you, there is little if any worthwhile stuff that the PS3 experience is missing.
With more and more updates, Sony is sending a message that the PS3 is looking to fight to the death in all territories.
I was not interested in the PS3 until now.
What about VC-1 support? I have plenty of VC-1 files that play but no audio. Hope that this update will fix that.
That looks so good.
PS3 streaming is a nice feature i liked. My only problem with it was Wifi wasn't fast enough to do HD ( even though i am using a Dlink Dir 655 Wireless N router, it is only fair to say that it was located upstairs, whereas my PS3 was downstairs ).
You will need to connect the PS3 to the router or PC directly using an ethernet cable which isn't so practical for me, which is why i am getting a 200 mbps Aztech Homeplug to use on the house electrical wiring.
Even with the streaming speed issue gone, i find the lack of MKV support saddening ..... Streaming media is a good concept PS3 has going, but because of the lack of support for MKV and some formats .... this feature doesn't satisfy me enough. Yes i know all about MKVtoVOB Remuxing. However not all movies can be remuxed because some that i tried to do that on said audio was not supported etc.
For my streaming needs, i am purchasing a A100 Popcorn Hour that has MUCH MUCH more audio/video support and also does MKV :] I only wished PS3 could have done the same as the popcorn hour in terms of support for media streaming.
Anyway as far as a game console i simply LUV IT !