Entropy

The next firmware update for the Playstation 3 has been detailed by Sony, on the Playstation.Blog. The new Playstation store will also be available with the 2.30 update, as previewed below –

Aside from the store update, the firmware will also add DTS-HD Master Audio output for Blu-ray videos, which means the high-definition visuals of Blu-ray will now be matched with the highest quality audio for the ultimate movie-watching experience on PS3.

DTS-HD Master Audio is literally bit-for-bit identical to the studio master recording and makes movie soundtracks and sound effects truly come to life. The technology delivers audio at the incredibly high rate of 24.5 mega-bits per second (Mbps) on Blu-ray disc, which is significantly higher than standard DVDs. DTS-HD Master Audio also offers 7.1 audio channels at 96k sampling frequency/24 bit depths, so you’ll be totally immersed in the sound. The firmware update will add DTS-HD High Resolution Audio as well, which is a similar output technology that requires less disc space. You can read more about both codecs here.

For more details check the video posted on the blog, or the original post about the store update.

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The Gran Turismo series is one of my favourite and is a game I make sure I buy as soon as I can. The latest release in the series is the build up to the final GT5 game. I got it last night and after playing it a bit I must say that I am impressed with what they have done so far.

The gameplay is true to the series and the graphics are unbelievable. I’m still busy working my way up the classes and will post a more complete entry once I’m done so you know what to expect if you are looking to buy it.

The one thing I am sad about, and this might be my own fault not googling it before buying it - you can not create private online games. This is said to be released during the course of development and will feature in the final release, but this still makes me sad.

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Source: WikipediaMost people know about the latest victim of the Format War - HD DVD. Developed mainly by Toshiba, the company officially announced earlier this year that the development and manufacturing process would no longer take place. This gave the Sony camp, responsible for Blu-Ray, the upper hand as they are now the future of high definition releases.

March 28 and the HD DVD Promotion group has been closed for business, just another nail in the coffin.

Being in South Africa, I wonder how long it will take for the affects to filter through to the local branches of Toshiba’s marketing division. Driving on the Highway past Melrose Arch is a billboard with the HD DVD logo hung high for all commuters to see. In terms of shops having to peddle off HD DVD movies, I don’t think that would be much of a problem as the range kept in most stores is limited to 3 or 4 movies. Blu Ray on the other hand has many titles right next to the HD DVD shelves almost mocking it’s fallen competitor drilling home that as far as a consumer has access to, Blu Ray was winning from the start.

HD DVD has officially taken residence next to Betamax as a fallen promise. Funnily enough, Betamax was Sony’s brain child in the 80’s. Maybe the next format war will see Toshiba coming out on top learning from this experience

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