NEWS: Sony extends PS3's home cinema appeal with firmware download

Sony is making its PlayStation 3 console even more attractive to home cinema enthusiasts with the arrival of its latest firmware upgrade. Version 1.80, which can be downloaded by clicking here, adds video upscaling to 1080p from DVD discs and older PlayStation games. The unit also gains 1080P 24fps output from Blu-ray discs, and RGB Full Range and Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr Super White video output over HDMI.

The video side of the unit now supports xvYcc colour, and can also downscale Blu-ray output to suit older 720p-cabable displays Other new facilities include the ability to access your PlayStation 3 over the internet for remote play, the copying of saved data from PS and PS2 software to a memory card, and the ability to play music, video and pictures from network servers conforming to to DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) standards.

Finally, the PS3 has gained enhanced Super Audio CD playback capability.

Andrew has written about audio and video products for the past 20+ years, and been a consumer journalist for more than 30 years, starting his career on camera magazines. Andrew has contributed to titles including What Hi-Fi?, GramophoneJazzwise and Hi-Fi CriticHi-Fi News & Record Review and Hi-Fi Choice. I’ve also written for a number of non-specialist and overseas magazines.