Version 1.8 release today
PS3 firmware update 1.8 will be released today, improving the image quality of movies and PS2 and PSOne video games. It also allows people to check out stored video, music files and digital photos through the Internet with the handheld PlayStation Portable.
A host of other enhancements include the ability to print photo images stored on PS3's hard disk or inserted storage media to a selection of Epson printers.
Peter Dille, SVP, Marketing, SCEA says, "As adoption of HDTVs continues to pitch, we know that customers are hungry for content, and this latest firmware update influences the PS3’s technology to deliver an HD-quality experience using the entertainment media already in your collection. In addition, we persist to improve the PS3’s capabilities as an entertainment hub, giving consumers the option to bring their content with them on-the-go, or to stream photos, videos, and music stored on their PC to the PS3 in their living room. That’s often where the largest TV monitors and sound system is located, giving consumers the most favorable entertainment experience."
Full details
The latest system software update is now available for PS3, and it adds fantastic new features to the system's capabilities.
Upscaling
System Software 1.80 adds the capability to upscale your existing DVD collection to HD quality - a feature normally only associated with top of the range DVD players. Via upscaling, DVDs are enhanced to full 1080p HD (when viewed on an appropriate HD ready TV).
The upscaling feature isn't restricted to DVDs - PS3 compatible PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games are also upscaled, making your existing game collection look better than ever.
Remote Play via Internet
Upgrade your PS3 system software to version 1.80, and the Remote Play feature is updated to support Internet streaming. This allows you to access content stored on your PS3 system's Hard Disk Drive using your PSP, wherever you have Wireless access to the Internet - so your photos, music and video can all be enjoyed on PSP no matter where you are (requires PSP system software version 3.50 and above).
Increased support for PlayStation and PlayStation 2 games
System software 1.80 also adds compatibility with a number of additional PlayStation and PlayStation 2 software titles. Please see the official backwards compatibility site for details of which games are playable on PS3.
Updating your PS3 to System Software 1.80 is simple. If your PS3 system is connected to the internet, simply access System Settings > [Network Update] in the Home Menu. Alternatively, the update can be downloaded from the Help & Support section of this site, and saved to disc or USB storage for use with PS3.