Topic: PS3 as a blu-ray player

[steelcrazy]

Hi guys. I'm planning to buy a pre-owned ps3 (Japan) unit next week. I'll be using it mainly to watch movies. Based on most comments, excellent daw ang ps3 when you play bluray discs. Yun lang, my basic questions before going through with the purchase are:

1) How is the resolution when you use the ps3 to play dvd's (I use a Samsung 37R81 TV)?
2) Does it upscale dvd's to 720p/1080i (just like the Samsung HT-X30 htib)?
3) Does it give good audio output (when hooked up via HDMI to the TV then by analog cable to a sound system)?
4) Will the Japan ps3 play region 1 and region 3 dvd's? If not, is there an upgrade to make it dvd region-free?

Thanks for any advice.

[steelcrazy]

sir the samsung ht x-30 is only a hdmi player but not an upscaling dvd player. U may check its specs by logging into samsung singapore. The ps3 thru its continuous upgrade of its firmware is already an upscaling dvd player. since samsung r81 models are only 1080i, set ur ps3 video resolution to 1080i only coz the samsung lcd will go blank on 1080p signals. As for the dvds, i think u wont be buying those anymore once 1080p movies are already downloadable thru the net. better invest on 500gb hard drives to save all those hi def movies coz 1080p movies comes in large files. sound quality will only be appreciated much thru hdmi conectivity for full bandwidth 7.1 channels the latest ps3 frimware 2.30 offer dts master audio so only those equipted w/ hdmi systems can truly hear the difference otherwise thru other connectivity such as optical or coxial the audio will downgrade to dts 5.1 only

[JAQY888]

Excited na nga bibili ng PS3.. buti na lang puwede na sya DTS-MA.. hehehe..

Ayos yan, doc. After nabili nyo na ang PS3 at ma-download na ang 2.30 firmware, ma-testing kagad sa new set-up nyo dyan. hehehehehe 

[NeilNo]

Updated mine to 2.3  as well before I went to work. Only have a few minutes to check the PS3 online store and I like the new look!

'Will be testing the DTS-HD capability tonight with AVP2:R   

[oReOsHaKe]

The PS3 won't output 7.1 DTS HD-MA. The screen will indicate it does but the reciever only shows 5.1 :'( :'( :'(
So those with Hairspray and Pan's Labyrinth BDs may or may not wait a little longer to enjoy the full potential of their disc.

It will internally decode only the 7.1 DTS HD MA but cannot bitstream it for the receiver to decode.  So you won't see DTS MA on your receiver. 

[Mouldingo]

It will internally decode only the 7.1 DTS HD MA but cannot bitstream it for the receiver to decode.  So you won't see DTS MA on your receiver. 

Sorry for the typo. Correction, the problem is only 5.1 PCM showing up on the reciever not 7.1 PCM. Its already an issue at other forum pages. It refers to New Line Cinema releases.

All the DTS 7.1 MA tracks played perfectly on the DTS demo disc. I saw 7.1 on the PS3, 7.1 on my Pioneer Elite receiver, and I could hear sound loud and clear out of all 8 speakers. Oldboy also worked fine for 7.1 output as well. Pan's Labrynth and Shoot 'Em Up, on the other hand....was interesting.

Both of those discs seem to work correctly at first. When I started playing them the New Line High Definition intro plays in full 7.1 glory. However, once the actual movie starts, I see 7.1 on the PS3 info tab, but I only get 5.1 active channels on my AVR and the back surrounds are completely silent to my ears. The crazy thing is that the DTS Demo disc I have has a clip in 7.1 from New Line: Rush Hour 3, that plays perfectly!!!!

So what does this mean? This is not a PS3 issue, nor is it an Onkyo issue or a Pioneer issue. This is a software issue limited to certain New Line titles with DTS-HD MA 7.1, including Pan's Labrynth and Shoot 'Em Up. Dissapointing for sure, as I'm sure both of these sound outstanding in 7.1. My gut feeling says that it will be worked out, either in a disc re-issue or an update by Sony. Rest assured, THE PS3 IS PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF FULL 7.1 DTS-HD MA PLAYBACK. I believe Pan's Labrynth and Shoot 'Em Up are two isolated cases that will be fixed in time.

[NeilNo]

Sorry for the typo. Correction, the problem is only 5.1 PCM showing up on the reciever not 7.1 PCM. Its already an issue at other forum pages. It refers to New Line Cinema releases.

Yup, try Saw IV. I've read that it's a great disc to test 7.1!

[darkwing]

there's no holding back now on the DTS-HD releases ^_^ weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[steelcrazy]

mga bros how many usb ports does your 60gb ps3 have? 4 ports in front and 2 ports at the rear or just 4 ports in front?

[pchin]

geez...I'm not sure what's wrong. I have been updating all my PS3 firmware tru USB/computer download without any incident in the past but this time I can't update the latest version 2.30

I used the PlayStation.com (Asia) & follow the usual instruction to download it into my USB. Problem is after I inserted it into my PS3 & then go Settings > System Update > Update via Storage and then press the O button. The following notice appears: "No application update was found." 

Anyone face similar problem?

[NeilNo]

mga bros how many usb ports does your 60gb ps3 have? 4 ports in front and 2 ports at the rear or just 4 ports in front?

PS3 60Gb has 4 USB ports in front (just below the memory cards slot location).

HTH.

[Marl☆1]

NOW AVAILABLE!!!

PS3 Update v2.3 released, Adds DTS-HD Master Audio (Updated)
Tue Apr 15, 2008 at 11:25 AM ET



Sony launched Firmware Update v2.30 for the Playstation 3 today, bringing with it a number of updates to the Playstation Store, as well as DTS-HD Master Audio.

Editor's Note - Sony has now updated the link to the online firmware update for downloading.

The eagerly anticipated update brings with it a redesign of the PS3's online store, with changes to its navigability and content offerings, as well as previews of add-ons, games, and videos.

As we've previously reported, this latest PS3 update also gives owners the ability to play back audio that is bit-for-bit identical to the studio master at super high variable bit rates. DTS-HD Master Audio has been included in several stand-alone Blu-ray players, but its availability on the PS3 now brings full spectrum premium audio to an even larger audience.

The firmware update can now be installed through your system's online interface, or via direct download below for US:
http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3/About/SystemUpdate

[Marl☆1]

Here's the link to the Asian PS3 2.3 firmware site:
http://asia.playstation.com/hk/ps3/eng/ps3_softupdate.htm

Here's the hotlink to download the update directly:
http://dsa01.ps3.update.playstation.net/update/ps3/image/sa/2008_0325_d33eb3ef5721bc940ca29b4c80b96bde/PS3UPDAT.PUP

[darkwing]

Here's the link to the Asian PS3 2.3 firmware site:
http://asia.playstation.com/hk/ps3/eng/ps3_softupdate.htm

Here's the hotlink to download the update directly:
http://dsa01.ps3.update.playstation.net/update/ps3/image/sa/2008_0325_d33eb3ef5721bc940ca29b4c80b96bde/PS3UPDAT.PUP

hmm that's the link to the 2.20 FW, check out the date ^_^ 2008_0325

[steelcrazy]

guys how long does it take for the ps3 to update to its latest firmware? what region site should i go to update by ps3?

[john5479]

it should be:

http://dsa01.ps3.update.playstation.net/update/ps3/image/sa/2008_0415_dd2e675fce5d2eb28ca93bc32edb3de6/PS3UPDAT.PUP

for asian and jap ps3 users

anyway the file is around 124.48mb

[pchin]

Last nite after so many atempts on the asian site (HK) but futile, out of frustration this morning I tried the US site instead (on my asian PS3) & fortunately this time the upgrade went smoothly. I tried a few DTS MA movies & it all worked!

I hope there's no serious side effect using a US firmware on a Asian PS3. They should be identical...

[pchin]

Putting aside the problem of New Line & otehr problematic movies which can't show the 7.1 in our receiver, how about other confirmed movies that can indeed display LPCM 7.1 in the receiver such as Lion Gate's Crank & WAR?

I tried both Crank & WAR which are LPCM 7.1 where other members have confirmed but unfortunately my receiver only showing 6.1 tho the PS3 does indicate 7.1. Hope you can try your other 7.1 movies too & would appreciate to hear any feed back. Tnx

[mars]

sir the samsung ht x-30 is only a hdmi player but not an upscaling dvd player. U may check its specs by logging into samsung singapore. The ps3 thru its continuous upgrade of its firmware is already an upscaling dvd player. since samsung r81 models are only 1080i, set ur ps3 video resolution to 1080i only coz the samsung lcd will go blank on 1080p signals. As for the dvds, i think u wont be buying those anymore once 1080p movies are already downloadable thru the net. better invest on 500gb hard drives to save all those hi def movies coz 1080p movies comes in large files. sound quality will only be appreciated much thru hdmi conectivity for full bandwidth 7.1 channels the latest ps3 frimware 2.30 offer dts master audio so only those equipted w/ hdmi systems can truly hear the difference otherwise thru other connectivity such as optical or coxial the audio will downgrade to dts 5.1 only

Thanks sir.

[Mouldingo]

Putting aside the problem of New Line & otehr problematic movies which can't show the 7.1 in our receiver, how about other confirmed movies that can indeed display LPCM 7.1 in the receiver such as Lion Gate's Crank & WAR?

I tried both Crank & WAR which are LPCM 7.1 where other members have confirmed but unfortunately my receiver only showing 6.1 tho the PS3 does indicate 7.1. Hope you can try your other 7.1 movies too & would appreciate to hear any feed back. Tnx

I'm sure Sony will be releasing another-never-ending-firmware-update. With that many complaints, its hard for them to not notice it :

[vince_ll]

Last nite after so many atempts on the asian site (HK) but futile, out of frustration this morning I tried the US site instead (on my asian PS3) & fortunately this time the upgrade went smoothly. I tried a few DTS MA movies & it all worked!

I hope there's no serious side effect using a US firmware on a Asian PS3. They should be identical...

Sir, buti at wala naman problems sa update nyo... Kasi yung iba na-brick yung ps3 nila dahil mali na version ng FW update ang ginamit nila

[steelcrazy]

mga ps3 users wat will happen to the ps3 when suddenly there's a brownout ang ur not done yet updating to the latest firmware? Sira na ba agad ps3 o we can still install the firmware via downloads from pc then using memory stick to install again.

[darkwing]

there was a youtube video which a guy switched off the power while in the middle of the FW update, i guess mas makasira yung corrupted FW

[Marl☆1]

mga ps3 users wat will happen to the ps3 when suddenly there's a brownout ang ur not done yet updating to the latest firmware? Sira na ba agad ps3 o we can still install the firmware via downloads from pc then using memory stick to install again.

http://cowbelltech.blogspot.com/2008/04/possible-ps3-firmware-problems.html

[IceTea]

Yes 2.3 works. Tried latest X-Men movie and PS3 outputs 6.1 dts-ma at 48khz! 

Sir,  Just for educational purposes....no PS3 yet.  How does one know that DTS-MA work?  Is it because of the 48KHz?  Please elaborate more.  TIA.

[IceTea]

So what does this mean? This is not a PS3 issue, nor is it an Onkyo issue or a Pioneer issue. This is a software issue limited to certain New Line titles with DTS-HD MA 7.1, including Pan's Labrynth and Shoot 'Em Up. Dissapointing for sure, as I'm sure both of these sound outstanding in 7.1. My gut feeling says that it will be worked out, either in a disc re-issue or an update by Sony. Rest assured, THE PS3 IS PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF FULL 7.1 DTS-HD MA PLAYBACK. I believe Pan's Labrynth and Shoot 'Em Up are two isolated cases that will be fixed in time.

So, does this mean that these movie studios cheated?  Offering a 7.1 DTS-HD MA disc, which actually isn't?

[pchin]

So, does this mean that these movie studios cheated?  Offering a 7.1 DTS-HD MA disc, which actually isn't?

I don't think so as there are members who use bitstream to their receiver on these movies & there's no problem, thus verified that the discs are indeed encoded in DTS MA 7.1. Also, our PS3 confirms the audio track at  DTS MA 7.1. It's most likely due to the PS3 firmware in reading the discs & unable to output the audio in full 7.1.

Let's be patient & wait for the next PS3 FW & hopefully these concerns will be ironed out by then...meanwhile enjoying DTS MA in 5.1 & 6.1 is still a great experience!

[pchin]

How does one know that DTS-MA work?  Is it because of the 48KHz?  Please elaborate more.  TIA.

In short, pressing the "SELECT" button in the PS3 controller will bring up the audio & video bar indicator which will tell you the type of audio track & video info are currently being playbacked by the PS3.e.g. DTS MA 7.1 at 48Khz 18mbbp, etc

[kt]

I don't think so as there are members who use bitstream to their receiver on these movies & there's no problem, thus verified that the discs are indeed encoded in DTS MA 7.1. Also, our PS3 confirms the audio track at  DTS MA 7.1. It's most likely due to the PS3 firmware in reading the discs & unable to output the audio in full 7.1.

Let's be patient & wait for the next PS3 FW & hopefully these concerns will be ironed out by then...meanwhile enjoying DTS MA in 5.1 & 6.1 is still a great experience!

bro whats the difference in outputting by bitstream or linear (is it?) in PS3?

[john5479]

outputting on bitstream means that your receiver\processor does the decoding. outputting on lpcm means that the ps3 does the decoding.