PS3 hack plays Blu-ray backups, should send Motorstorm values soaring
By Tim Stevens 
posted January 5th 2010 7:25AM
posted January 5th 2010 7:25AM
The PS3 has thus far proven to be something a tough nut to crack for those wanting to play backups on non-modified consoles, but word on the web is that a technique has been found that will make it possible -- if the stars happen to align properly for your hardware configuration. What you need is a PS3 model capable of running Linux, Ubuntu, Windows XP on top of that, a suite of utilities, a copy of the original Motorstorm, and a Blu-ray burner. Get all that configured properly and you should be able to use the technique at the read link to play those copies of games that have thus far been expensive coasters. Given the complexity of this approach we can't be 100 percent sure it's legit, but for what it's worth there is video "proof" after the break, and should you attempt this feat of hackery yourself please do let us know how you get on.
Update: Ugh -- seems that the video has been yanked for now.
Update: Ugh -- seems that the video has been yanked for now.
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@T Baxter
http://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+pirate+movies
I wonder if Sony can release a PS3 software upgrade that could detect copied games and shut down the PS3, permanently?
@glamajamma
If your PS3 has the firmware that gives trophies, then it is taking an inventory of all the software you have installed and phones home with that information when you sign in to PSN. Without a doubt, this could facilitate disciplinary measures for those dumb enough to pirate and also let their PS3s connect. And of course, not letting your PS3 connect to the internet is a fate far worse than having to buy your games.
Fortunately, this method appears to be an obvious fake. A good friend of mine was laid off by a game developer, and he claims that piracy was a factor in his company's financial situation. If engadget is interested in actually guiding people to pirate software, they should by shunned by technology firms. There's a big diff between noting another exploit is claimed to exist but can't be duplicated by anybody, and actually giving out the method with links and actually asking readers to give piracy a shot.
engadget: reconsider
@(Unverified)
"PS3 hack plays Blu-ray backups"
Last I checked this article mentions nothing about piracy. However, it does mention playing blu-ray backups, you know for people who actually would like to keep their original games safe. Remember fair use? I wonder if you were similarly up in arms when playback of backup DVDs first hit the scene.
@Eric Mendes
Oh, puh-lease. There's no mistake as to what this is about.
@Eric Mendes
I have my 60GB PS3 since May of 2007 and I'm yet to see my games scratched.
@(Unverified)
Blu rays have a special coating that makes them much harder to render unreadable than CDs or DVDs. Also, the feeder on the PS3 is easier on discs.
I treat my system like garbage, and while my PS1 and PS2 have many games that won't read anymore, my PS3 never has had a problem.
Go to Youtube, and there's a dude who takes steel wool to a PS3 game, and it still plays. I like the right to backup content, and I think downloadable content will solve this problem, but this effort is about playing games you didn't pay for, which is immoral.
@adamrgolf I am not talking about your link, it is linked in the story, 3 separate times to different places under via, source, and more coverage. It would be sufficient for the writer to say that this hack exists, it involves a convoluted process, and break it down a bit and leave it at that. Linking to instructions and even providing an inventory in the actual text, then asking users like us to get back with engadget about how it goes? If I were new to this site I would say engadget encourages piracy.
@T Baxter, @Heelo: for the sake of accuracy, it would be correct to apply the ENCOURAGES PIRACY!!! RUN!! label here if Engadget was tell folks where to procure PS3 software without paying for it.
I know, details, right?
-K
Ubuntu IS Linux. Also, hopefully a linux set of utilities will be released so one won't have to virtualize XP.
What you fail to mention is that once the door is opened, newer easier ways of going through it are found every single time. Remember how everyone used to need twilight princess and a special save file to hack the wii? (without modchip of course)
Fail...? Removed :(
This is absolute garbage. The instructions are to install a linux base, use vm ware to run winxp on top, and then use a set of applications to rip the disk to a remote burner. First of all, I've used the applications they're talking about. They're legitimate (I use that term loosely) backup applications along the same lines as the original DVD XCopy. I've used them on a standard pc to backup movies and bluray discs. The application itself is what makes it work, so there is absolutely NO REASON why you would have to run this off the console. And if anyone is interested in looking at the applications they can be found at http://www.slysoft.com
The ONLY reason I can think that they would do it this way is to insinuate that the bluray drive in the PS3 is capable of reading hidden sectors of a disc that standard drives can't do. If that was case, then an application built for windows, built to use standard bluray drives and NOT A PS3, isn't going to know to look for those sectors.
I call bull$h*t
@xkaosu9x: the PS3 BR-D drive can read sectors that PC BR-D drives cannot. That's why you need to do the WinXP install and rip from that.
@erwos Like I said, if the PS3 drive is the only one that can read it then an application that's built for standard drives on a Windows platform isn't going to make a difference. Neither the application, nor Windows, is going to know to tell the PS3 drive to look for those sectors.
get your brooms, i'm calling shenanigans.
This is an OLDDDDDD exploit. It ONLY works for some games.
video has been removed.
Thanks for the info on how to steal games. I heard game developers are doing great during this recession, and they will not mind loosing the sales at all...
I think if would be great if you started a new series on how to steal stuff. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- How to disable exit alarm sensor tags at Best Buy
- Best times of day for a smash and grab at Jewelry Store
- Gammer tips for the teller note when robbing a bank
@liuping
copyright infringement does not equal stealing. In most cases when you're talking about a good product that does not own the market (like windows owns the OS market) piracy actually increases sales due to word of mouth and delayed sales. the equation of online software copying to stealing was created by the industries that don't want to ever change their current business model for fear of loss of profits going to a more itunes or valve's steam based system.
@Ghen
It may not be the same as stealing, but it is equal to stealing in one way: it's wrong.
And also, when you buy a PS3, you are agreeing to conditions in a contract. It's in black and white, and you promised not to copy games. So you are stealing when you play on a system that you paid for partly with a promise to not violate copyright. You may think this is silly and stupid because it's not stealing physical property, but you still lied and cheated, and people are still losing their jobs over it.
This'll be patched before you could assemble that crap.
I'll just buy the BD. Probably cheaper than all that crap and I can display them on my shelf.
@(Unverified) Exactly why even if I can pirate Rockstar Games, I still buy them. I love the manual (they look cool) and having the boxes on my shelf. Heck, even for the Download Only Manhunt 2, I made a box so I could display that I own it.
I meant Download Only PC version of Manhunt 2.
Once again Maxconsole didn't credit the proper source and sadly Engadget doesn't know better either. Original source:
http://www.ps3news.com/PS3-Hacks/video-motorstorm-ps3-hack-exploit-to-run-ps3-backups/
"capable of running Linux, Ubuntu"
Uh, Ubuntu IS Linux.