Posted Thu Oct 11, 2007 at 12:02 PM PDT by
Although details remain sketchy, Sony says it is planning a firmware update to its PlayStation 3 that will boost Blu-ray interactivity.
As first reported by Video Business, the revelation came from Sony VP of advanced technologies Don Eklund at yesterday's HDTV DisplaySearch conference in Universal City, California during a panel discussion about next-gen interactivity.
Beyond saying that the firmware update was expected "soon," Eklund provided no further details, leaving eager fans to speculate on exactly what might be included.
The most likely scenario would appear to be that Sony will update the game console to support at least some components of the Profile 1.1 Blu-ray spec, which will enable a series of functions not supported by current Blu-ray players, including true video picture-in-picture playback.
As we've previously reported, all Blu-ray players released after October 31, 2007 have been mandated by the Blu-ray Disc Association to support Profile 1.1.
Although several upcoming Blu-ray titles (including 'Hairspray,' 'Rush Hour 3' and 'Pan's Labyrinth') are slated to include features that would seem to require Profile 1.1 compliance, we've yet to see a compatible BD player hit the market.
Needless to say, we'll keep you posted on any upcoming announcements from Sony regarding this and any other firmware upgrades for the PS3. (Yes, we've got our eyes peeled for that highly-anticipated DTS-HD MA update, too.) Stay tuned!
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