Interactive movie features
The next Playstation 3 firmware update, version 2.20, is due to launch in a few days time and will include BD-Live,allowing users to take full advantage of a number of interactive features from compatible Blu-Ray movies.The BD-Live service will add interactive features to movies, such as subtitles,actor bios, games and trailers. Users will also be able to send ringtones to their mobile phone, including grabbing content directly from the movie.
Amongst the BD-Live compatible titles on offer will be a number of movies from the Disney catalogue, including "Sleeping Beauty" which will offer a virtual castle and multi-player activities.
Also included in the update will be the ability to copy music from the PS3 and transfer it via USB to the PSP.
"With Blu-ray established as the high-definition optical disc standard, more consumers are ready to jump in and take advantage of everything the format offers," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA."Whether you want to download movie extras, send ringtones to your phone, or play interactive games, BD-LIVE will offer exciting new ways to enjoy a Blu-ray movie. With these regular firmware updates and future-proofed technology, SCEA is making the 10-year lifecycle of PS3 possible."
The following new features will also be included in the system software update.
-- "Resume play" will enable PS3 system to start playing a Blu-ray disc and DVD at the point it was stopped, even if the disc had been removed.(*1)
-- "Audio Output Device" will be a new Remote Play setting, enabling PSP to serve as a remote control for music played through PS3.
-- PS3 system's Internet browser will be enhanced: Video files directly linked from a Web page will be able to be streamed, and the browser's view speed will be improved.
-- DivX and WMV format videos that are larger than 2GB will be playable.
-- "Mosquito Noise Reduction" will be added as an AV setting in the control panel of the DVD/BD player for improved movie playback.(*2)
*1 BD-J format disc is not supported.
*2 BD discs recorded with BDMV format are not supported. A firm date has yet to be announced, but a Sony spokesperson confirmed it would be "in late March, exact date TBC".
