PS3 firmware with BD-Live support now available

The world's first 2.0-compatible Blu-ray player.

(Credit: CNET)

The PlayStation 3 is the first Blu-ray player to support BD-Live functionality, thanks to a firmware update available today. Officially announced just last week, the update (version 2.20) was released right on schedule, and is now available as a free download to PS3 owners directly through the console's onscreen interface. Once installed, it allows the PS3's to access Internet-connected BD-Live content available on some discs. The list of compatible discs is currently minimal--just War and Saw IV available now, plus The Sixth Day and Walk Hard following on April 8--and the first round of BD-Live content doesn't seem to be very diverting. But as the list of supporting titles grows--and, ideally, the BD-Live content becomes more compelling--look for players that don't support Profile 2.0 compatibility to be confined to the clearance shelves. The PS3 remains the best bet for Blu-ray shoppers, even if they have no interest in using its gaming capabilities.

In addition to adding BD-Live support, the firmware upgrade includes a few other PS3 fixes and enhancements, including better DivX support and PSP integration. However, despite widespread rumors to the contrary, the update did not include the ability to copy portable versions of Blu-ray movies to the PSP. Audiophiles are also still holding out for an update that would add DTS-HD Master Audio decoding to the PS3, although Sony has not announced any plans to include that functionality.

So, what do you think, PS3 owners? Excited about the latest upgrade? Happy to be owning the best Blu-ray player out there? Or do you still want more? And for those who haven't yet taken the Blu-ray plunge: does this upgrade make the PS3 a more compelling purchase? Share your thoughts below.

[dougjake]

Profile 2.0 if fine but...

...I've got the PS3 on my "to buy" list as a blu-ray player. BD-Live is nice but
what's stopping me from purchasing it now is the price. It needs to come down
at leas another $100 before I'll buy it.

[Ntfireballs]

2.20 is fine but I'm still waiting for more!

The PS3 is great and all, but i really bought the console for "Home". I'm dieing with anticipation! I want it now!

[akuehnemund]

I love mine

I've had so much fun with mine ever since I bought it about a year ago. Blu-ray
movies look great. Playing games is a lot of fun. Software updates are being
released regularily... Even if I didn't play games, I would still get a PS3 as my
Blu-ray player. A PS3 is just very easy to update.

[d--keller]

Another reason why...

PS3 is the best gaming system to date. Every month or so, new features are added for FREE. The only thing 360 updates ever did for me was brick my system... TWICE! Thanks Sony.

[kanzass]

NO MINI COPIES FOR THE PSP????

No mini copies is a bit disappointing... I really like the idea of this because a blu ray portable player is a long way off... I need some reason to keep buying blu ray movies for 30 bucks a pop because not being able to take them with is really a waste of money..... this was very forward thinking on thier part anyway so just follow thru... B.D. live update HHHMMMMM cool but not really that excited about it.........

[kylebuttermore]

SWEET!!!!!

mines coming Thursday i cant wait!!!

[stevehas]

I am loving my PS3

One of the best things I have added to my home entertainment system (after my HDTV, but very close).
Its the device that just keeps on giving!

[ian_torres]

Very Happy

I'm downloading it now. Thus far, I'm very happy with my PS3 as a BD player and console, although the PSP transferring would have been nice. Good job Sony. Keep the updates coming!

[swordjuggler]

Nice update... keep 'em coming

I agree that this is a cool update, although (as you mentioned) profile 2.0 is just a marketing buzz-word until they really take advantage of what it offers. Also, as a wannabe audiophile, I'm very much looking forward to an update that gives DTS-HD decoding, as several of the movies I own have DTS-HD as the only HD soundtrack. That seems like it would be a much more relevant feature to add, but hey, that's just my $.02. I definitely dig it that Sony keeps the updates rolling, even if they take their time unlocking/adding features that could've been done a while ago.

[Steinburgaler]

I need Dual Audio Outputting!

I love the fact they are constantly improving the PS3, but I will be really happy if/when they give us the ability to out audio via analog and hdmi or optical.

[ChancreSore]

Seems rather underwhelming

Sure, those added features on Bluray discs are nice, but how often do you think you'll actually use them? Would it kill them to add support for in-game soundtracks for ANY game, not just from developers who are in the mood to support them? Or an integrated online friends list system?

Sony has a good product, but they've really been disappointing in the details.

[SteelDog]

PS3 Need Blu Ray To Survive

The only thing keeping the PS3 from sinking is the Blu Ray capabilities. As a gaming machine it doesn't stack up against the 360. Few "must have" titles, less exclusives then 360, same quality graphics, smaller game library and an inferior online community when compared to XBOX live.

I know a few PS3 owners who only use the thing for movies and don't even bother with the games. Sony should thank it's lucky stars they included Blu Ray or it would be an expensive brick.

I am waiting on the standalone players which IMO will have more advanced video decoding chip sets in them. That should provide better video quality then capable on the PS3. Until then I will wait versus buying a PS3 which would be bulky addition to my home theater wall unit.

[fever28]

Nice, but still gonna wait.

I have an HD-DVD player that's had the on-line capability from the start, and been quite happy with it. I got it on the cheap a few months ago, with the idea that it would tie me over with at least some HD movies until the format war was over. Now that it is, I'm seriousely thinking about buying a PS3, but I'm learning there's some big shortcomings. Adding BD 2.0 is a big step forward, but not as big as adding DTS-HD would be, which I've enjoyed on my Toshiba for some time. To me this is a bigger issue. I'm mainly looking to use a PS3 for the BD capability, but to me sound is just as important as picture.

One other major flaw is no IR port. I want to use my Harmony 880 remote to control everything in my system. I know there are work-arounds, but come on Sony. This should not be an issue in the year 2008.

I think for now, this is encouraging, but I'm still gonna hold off on getting one until that sound issue is resolved.

[monsterduc1000]

Nice but no PSP copying makes for disappoinment

Almost bought a psp for this function alone. It would have been great as my br collection is growing and it would be nice have this feature instead of downloading an sd version to a computer, compressing it and then putting it on a memory stick. Hopefully it doesn't get shelved. DTS-HD would be nice as well, but I hear it's coming, hopefully soon.

As for Steeldogs comment, the ps3 has been catching and surpassing its lesser rival, the 360, for some months now. I enjoy the FREE online that Sony is providing with games such as F1 racing and cod 4 (of which about 3 million people are playing on the ps3 online alone). No it's not as well thought out as xbox live, but I'm not dropping $50 a year or more for Sony's FREE service (did I mention it's FREE M$). And with gt5, metal gear solid, haze, killzone, uncharted, jak and daxter, ratchet and clank and a host of other exclusives here or coming, as well as all the cross-platform titles the ps3 has, I think the ps3 has the legs to go the distance and beat the 360.

And by the way, I do have both, and the 360 is collecting dust with it's lack of interesting games. Sure it has a lot, but a lot is just crap.

[xanpyzz]

Great Hardware BUT!

So slow to fully capitalize on the full potential of their products. Apple gets to the finish line so much faster and takes chances. Sony seems bogged down in an old time bureaucratic system. The PS3 is an amazing product - it is a shame Sony is the captain of this ship.

[bubblebathgirl]

PS3 + Blu-ray continue to dominate :)

It's a good thing.

[dirty55409]

Meh.......

Pretty much don't care, my Bedroom set Onkyo TX-SR805 is going without a PS3 since I put the BD player in my living room. Yeah I only use it as a DVD/BD Player. Do they still make games for the Playstation 3? Sony better keep praying that DLC doesn't ever ever take over. I'd die from laughter.
DLC = DownLoadable Content

[Brolix]

Worthless extras

I'm the guy who cares nothing for extras. When i buy a blu ray or--up until earlier this month, HD-DVDs, i throw away any bonus disc that comes with the movie because it'll just take up space in my disc jacket. BD-Live on my PS3 means nothing to me, and i know there are others out there just like me who watch solely the movie for its HD glory and Great surround sound. Extras do not have a home in my house. Now, DTS Master Audio, that's a compelling feature, if only they would add it.

[Wes#1]

Now the real trouble begins...

as some writers have cautioned us not to buy "1.0" Blu-ray and wait for this "BD-LIVE" 2.0 version. Well here it is!! Just plug into your internet connection (um, you DO have that next to your HDTV in the living room, right?) and feel all warm and fuzzy that you're now hooked into Sony's Big-Brother server. And forget the movie; now you can watch an endless stream of trailers, extras (that should have been on that 50-gig disc to begin with), and studio advertising! How did we ever think we could live without all this stuff?!

Most interesting line in this article: "...look for players that don't support Profile 2.0 compatibility to be confined to the clearance shelves." Oh, really? I'll make a counter-prediction that it won't happen anytime soon. Most people are waiting for bargain Blu-ray players to appear before jumping on the bandwagon. And if you give away the 1.0 machines to the masses, there will be few takers for the 2.0... especially when they find out 2.0 adds more cost than content to the Blu-ray experience.

[dfichtner]

Just give me a 1-touch on/off button, please!

Sony sells this thing for several hundred dollars, and even if we pay another $25 for their bluetooth remote, there STILL in no power on/off button that I can push just once to turn it on or turn it off. Just how hard would it be to program this feature into one of the other buttons? Perhaps holding down the PS button for 3 seconds to turn on or off? And i'm sick of bumping just about any key on the PS3 remote and it turning on, then having to hunt menus and follow a list of key commands just to turn it off.

Bad Sony, very bad. Obviously you've encorporated this feature to keep the things on longer. I wonder if anyone has done any energy efficiency studies into this problem.