1.6 a big sweet update, finally...

[Dancer O_o]

We've been hearing about a major firmware update for the PS3 ever since the system's launch last November, and while we all had assumptions about what it might include, we never had much in the way of official information. But Sony has finally issued a few details regarding update 1.6, which should arrive on March 22, just in time for the European launch.

The first bit of news centers on the one feature Sony has confirmed earlier: background downloading. For now, users can't do anything else on the system while downloading something from the PlayStation Store, while 360 users have the benefit of background downloading. But update 1.6 should change things on the PS3, although Sony has said there will be certain "limitations."

We also expected to hear something more about PS3/PSP connectivity, and that assumption was correct. If you're one of those gamers who likes to use the PSP as a remote media viewer for the PS3, pay close attention- normally, you have to connect the PSP directly to the PS3 to access its media, and that PS3 had to be the 60GB model. But firmware update 1.6 adds the wireless ability to the feature, allowing you to tap into the PS3 from anywhere within your wireless range. This also lets those few 20GB PS3 owners take advantage of the feature. Sony still wants to make PSP/PS3 connectivity a "worldwide" feature (so we can access our PS3's content via the PSP from anywhere on the planet), but we figured the first step would simply involve the user's wireless home network.

Furthermore, Sony will be including a little bonus for PS3 owners who use the software keyboard. Verion 1.6 adds an option for a full-size keyboard, which is a great relief because the current cell phone-esque style can get outrageously frustrating. A few other features in 1.6 enhance the system's web browser; most specifically, letting the browser automatically detect video-out settings and set the correct font size.

Well, it seems they were right. This is one giant update, so make sure to log on and download firmware update Version 1.6 on March 22 - that's only three days away - to take advantage of all the new goodies.

[Fivespot]

Hopefully the next update will also fix Blu-ray movie freezing. The last update was supposed to have fixed this issue but unfortunately it has not.

Although the PS3 is a great Blu-ray player, it's a bit frustrating watching certain movies when they freeze for a few seconds here and there. Ice Age the Meltdown freezes for me about 10x per viewing and Casino Royale froze a couple times on me this last Saturday night. You cannot really do anything when it happens either other than wait it out (forwarding doesn't work and tracking forward isn't the best option otherwise you'll miss part of the movie - the part you tracked past).

[Dancer O_o]

Hopefully the next update will also fix Blu-ray movie freezing. The last update was supposed to have fixed this issue but unfortunately it has not.

Although the PS3 is a great Blu-ray player, it's a bit frustrating watching certain movies when they freeze for a few seconds here and there. Ice Age the Meltdown freezes for me about 10x per viewing and Casino Royale froze a couple times on me this last Saturday night. You cannot really do anything when it happens either other than wait it out (forwarding doesn't work and tracking forward isn't the best option otherwise you'll miss part of the movie - the part you tracked past).

Really?! I just bought Casino Royale yesterday afternoon in Blu-Ray and was mighty impressed with it, not a single skip and never once has the PS3 skipped on any movies I've watched. I bought the entire Star Wars updated movies last weekend and watched all of them in a day or two. The PS3 for me has been and extremely solid performer where movies are concerned. I feel for you on this issue, but if it skips I'm not sure a firmware update will fix it, I hope it does. One thing I really love about the PS3 playback is that you can do this 1.5 fast forward that still has the sound while panning forward (even though it sounds like Alvin and the Chipmonks a bit) it is quite nice.

I had to charge the controller for the first time, it's neat that it pops up on the screen that your battery is low and gives to time to jack in instead of just failing and having you wondering what the hell.

[Fivespot]

You're lucky Dancer, I've ready many times over that this is common among PS3 owners. I'm certainly not the only one.

Games on the other hand have never caused me any such problems which is obviously a good thing.

[Mochan]

Does this issue have anything do with tardpack vs. non-tardpack? Which model do you have Dancer?

[Dancer O_o]

Does this issue have anything do with tardpack vs. non-tardpack? Which model do you have Dancer?

60 gb model. I don't think it matters which version you have.

I've never heard of the PS3 skipping and such until I started this thread, I admit I haven't read much in the PS3 forum yet though.

[Fivespot]

http://forums.highdefdigest.com/showthread.php?t=4364

The above link is from a forum I frequent and contains other examples of folks experiencing freeze problems with Blu-ray playback on the PS3.

[Dancer O_o]

http://forums.highdefdigest.com/showthread.php?t=4364

The above link is from a forum I frequent and contains other examples of folks experiencing freeze problems with Blu-ray playback on the PS3.


Thanks, I read all of their posts. It seems some think that taking the PS3 out of Network mode will help, I can't see how but maybe. It looks like Dirty disks are an issue, the blu-ray laser may be testy and easy to befuddle, but again, I can't see how that's could possibly be the case but, maybe so.

If I bought a PS3 at the store and it skipped, back it would go for a replacement....that's what i call defective, by any definition. I got mine mailed, and everyone said "that's risky Dancer, your stupid" but being that it was hand carried to my door with a smile it may have been handled with care versuses the monkeys at retail stores that treat floor stock like ass because minimum wage means "I don't give a sh!t"...this also may be the problem

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

I haven't had a Blu-Ray movie freeze on me, but I only have Talledega Nights, and only watched it once (went to sleep on it).

Was Casino Royale on sale on Blu-Ray format? I picked up the DVD version for $13.99 and honestly didn't even consider going to check out the Blu-Ray format.

[Fivespot]

No, it wasn't on sale but it does look fabulous in HD (sounds nice too).

[slade]

The biggest thing I'm looking forward to are the updates to the browser. Right now, you have to switch to 480p if you want viewable text on webpages.

[Cuddly Knife]

I don't know if it's part of theupdate, but the PS3 is now going to be able to download stuff while doing other things. Up to 6 items I believe, just like on the 360. Sounds good, because it really blows having to do nothing but wait for a DL.

[Fivespot]

That's this update that will allow background downloading. They seem to take forever and a day so I'm glad their adding this extra functionality.

[Dancer O_o]

That's this update that will allow background downloading. They seem to take forever and a day so I'm glad their adding this extra functionality.

When I first started downloading it was very slow, but now it's faster than Xbox live downloads....and I did nothing yet, it just got better for some reason. They mentioned that yes we will be able to do background downloading but there's some kind of a catch to it, what that is I don't know. It's probably the 6 que limit.

Casino Royal cost me 36 bones and worth every penny, the sound is fantastic. I've also been very impressed with the colors, vivid and eye popping to say the least...and I haven't even seen it in full HD yet, just S-video in standard definition.

I saw The Fifth Element on the shelf and will probably go get that one too since it is a favorite of mine "Corbin my man!"

[Fivespot]

I saw The Fifth Element on the shelf and will probably go get that one too since it is a favorite of mine "Corbin my man!"

One of my favorites as well but highly regarded as the poorest HD transfer EVER. Wait until they come out with a better version and buy it then. Stay away from it until that time or at a minimum just be aware that it's not near as polished looking as Casino Royale for example.

I also suggest you read reviews before buying HD movies on both Blu-ray and HD DVD. Some movies look fabulous while others are poorily translated. Considering prices on these movies I figure it's better to only buy those worth the extra money otherwise you might as well stick with the current DVD formats.

This site has been my biggest asset in this regard:

http://www.highdefdigest.com/

[Dancer O_o]

Sweet site, thanks for the link, I bookmarked it. They reviewed Rocky 9000 and it looks good, probably get it. I'll wait on the Fifth Element as you suggest, sad though to just rush through it to make a buck, companies should be held accountable for half-assing.:ciappa:

There's a lot more Blu-Ray out there than I thought.

[Fivespot]

companies should be held accountable for half-assing.

My point exactly and the only way that's going to happen is if people like you and I only buy the HD movies where the time, money, and resources were spent appropriately.

There have sadly been quite a few examples of studios shoe horning there existing titles into the HD format without actually giving it the special treatment needed. Sure they'll make a buck but at our expense.

As Glock pointed out in a thread awhile back, sometimes studios even trim out the special features and such when making an HD offering which is even more bogus then the half assed effort put into video or audio.

[Jaa Phaanom]

One of my favorites as well but highly regarded as the poorest HD transfer EVER. Wait until they come out with a better version and buy it then. Stay away from it until that time or at a minimum just be aware that it's not near as polished looking as Casino Royale for example.

I also suggest you read reviews before buying HD movies on both Blu-ray and HD DVD. Some movies look fabulous while others are poorily translated. Considering prices on these movies I figure it's better to only buy those worth the extra money otherwise you might as well stick with the current DVD formats.

This site has been my biggest asset in this regard:

http://www.highdefdigest.com/

I was highly unimpressed with Fifth Element - Blu-Ray too. Especially compared to the upconverted Superbit version. At least I only paid $14.97 for it through Amazon during their sale.

Now I'm starting to read reviews on DVDtalk.com before buying anything. I'll start checking out highdefdigest too. My personal favorites so far as far as picture quality is concerned are all HD-DVD titles

Batman Begins
Mission Impossible 3
World Trade Center
V for Vendetta
King Kong

I've been pretty disappointed with the picture quality on all the blu-ray movies I've purchased so far when compared to HD-DVD. I haven't pciked up Casino Royale yet, so hopefully the will be the first one I am happy with.

There seem to be so many more movies that I want on Blu-Ray though. So hopefully, the newer titles are going to have better picture quality.

[Fivespot]

Batman Begins
Mission Impossible 3
World Trade Center
V for Vendetta
King Kong

That's a nice list you got there Tikkie! I agree that those titles look great on HD DVD. Blu-ray is catching up however and titles coming out these days are finally up to snuff.

Since I don't have an A/V receiver that accepts an HDMI 1.3 signal, my HD DVD player using the 5.1 analog outputs sounds much, much better audio wise as I can utilize the lossless audio (compared to my PS3). Batman Begins especially sounds FANTASTIC!!

[Fivespot]

Dancer and Jaa, send me a friends request via PSN. My user name is Fivespot.

And by the way Dancer, I took my PS3 back and got a new one. So far so good. No more freezing although I need to test a few more movies before knowing for sure.

I'm happy EB hooked me up. I bought my PS3 on 2/13 and typically they only allow 7 days to return "defective" merchandise. I gave them a call earlier in the week and they reiterated as much referring me to Sony. I then followed up with a different EB, the one I frequent much more often and have practically kept them in business all by myself (just kidding), and the manager hooked me up. So on 3/22 they took back my defective unit going against regular policy. I thanked him repeatedly and plan to keep spending money at that store to further show my appreciation.

I inquired about a warranty and apparently they have one that starts after the 1 year Sony warranty expires. What good is that? You still have to deal with Sony directly during the first year even with a EB/Gamestop warranty. Bunk!

They went on to further explain that this is their new warranty policy - it takes effect after the manufacturer's warranty expires.

[Dancer O_o]

Dancer and Jaa, send me a friends request via PSN. My user name is Fivespot.

And by the way Dancer, I took my PS3 back and got a new one. So far so good. No more freezing although I need to test a few more movies before knowing for sure.

I'm happy EB hooked me up. I bought my PS3 on 2/13 and typically they only allow 7 days to return "defective" merchandise. I gave them a call earlier in the week and they reiterated as much referring me to Sony. I then followed up with a different EB, the one I frequent much more often and have practically kept them in business all by myself (just kidding), and the manager hooked me up. So on 3/22 they took back my defective unit going against regular policy. I thanked him repeatedly and plan to keep spending money at that store to further show my appreciation.

I inquired about a warranty and apparently they have one that starts after the 1 year Sony warranty expires. What good is that? You still have to deal with Sony directly during the first year even with a EB/Gamestop warranty. Bunk!

They went on to further explain that this is their new warranty policy - it takes effect after the manufacturer's warranty expires.

That is some excellent news to hear my friend, if the new one does not skip at this time it most likely never will. Congrats. For 600 bones it better be perfect...

[Dancer O_o]

Dancer and Jaa, send me a friends request via PSN. My user name is Fivespot.

Hmm, ok cool, tonight I am going to download the RFOM update with the new mutliplayer modes then I'll send a request. I gotta get a headset still, but I'm not sure what to get. I saw the SOCOM headset the other day used for 15 bucks but I don't know if it works with PS3, I've heard I need a Bluetooth headset or a USB headset and I forgot to look at the SOCOM headset connection.

I also have to do the firmware update too, I'll be on at about 7pm eastern US time and see what the new RFOM modes are like, join me bros.

[Fivespot]

I'm looking for a Blu Tooth headset as I sit a little far from my TV (most USB headsets only have 8 foot cables and that's not enough).

Furthermore I've been spoiled by the XBOX 360 set-up wherein you plug your headset into the controller rather than the console so that option isn't really desirable to me.

Not sure if I'll be around this weekend but I'll look you up someday soon if I see you online. I've been mainly playing Motorstorm lately - fun game.

[Dancer O_o]

I'm looking for a Blu Tooth headset as I sit a little far from my TV (most USB headsets only have 8 foot cables and that's not enough).

Furthermore I've been spoiled by the XBOX 360 set-up wherein you plug your headset into the controller rather than the console so that option isn't really desirable to me.

Not sure if I'll be around this weekend but I'll look you up someday soon if I see you online. I've been mainly playing Motorstorm lately - fun game.

Ya know i want Motorstrom pretty badly now, I played the demo and was fairly impressed with it, but a lot of people said the demo is weak in comparison to the retail version so I may try to find a way to get it this weekend....I'm broke and not above trading some beaten titles in to get it

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

I'm happy EB hooked me up. I bought my PS3 on 2/13 and typically they only allow 7 days to return "defective" merchandise. I gave them a call earlier in the week and they reiterated as much referring me to Sony. I then followed up with a different EB, the one I frequent much more often and have practically kept them in business all by myself (just kidding), and the manager hooked me up. So on 3/22 they took back my defective unit going against regular policy. I thanked him repeatedly and plan to keep spending money at that store to further show my appreciation.

I inquired about a warranty and apparently they have one that starts after the 1 year Sony warranty expires. What good is that? You still have to deal with Sony directly during the first year even with a EB/Gamestop warranty. Bunk!

They went on to further explain that this is their new warranty policy - it takes effect after the manufacturer's warranty expires.

Cool. Was the EB guy someone you knew?

I was able to get an extended warranty last year when I bought my 360 from EB, but it was a week afterwards. I took the system back as a return, purchased it right back and was able to put the warranty towards it. Usually, I think once you leave the store, that's it for a warranty, but my Go-To Guy hooked me up big time.

I guess the new warranty policy is good. It's nice to have an extra year of coverage, though, even if the first year may be a pain in dealing with Sony. Hopefully, your new PS3 will not give you any problems.

[Fivespot]

No, I don't necessarily know the guy but he knows me as I do a ton of shopping there. It's to the point and I'm not afraid to admit this that him and all his staff know me by name.

It's the same way at 2 different locations (an EB and a Gamestop both within 3 blocks of where I work).

So I suppose he's smart enough to realize that if he keeps me happy I'll continue to blow lots of money there :)

Regardless, I'm happy he was able to help me like he did. It won't go unappreciated. Having owned a retail shop myself, I really like to support the smaller type places. I know what you're thinking, EB/Gamestop isn't a small retail place but compared to Best Buy, Walmart, Target, Circuit City... it's the next best thing to a mom and pop shop. Sadly there are no mom and pop videogame stores anywhere near where I live so I continue supporting EB/Gamestop whenever possible rather than shopping at the larger mega stores. I outright boycott Walmart but that's a whole other story.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

I had a favorite Mom & Pop's type of gaming store in a different city. They were bad at pre-orders and didn't get in new consoles as well as other stores, but it was hard to be disappointed in them. Anything bought in store was given a 1-year warranty at no extra charge. They also had this card that was stamped for each transaction (purchase, trade, etc) and after 10 stamps, you get $20 off anything in the store.

As far as Gamestop/EB, well, I cannot stand Gamestop and EB is barely hanging on with me. Everyone who works at my local Gamestop are jackasses, and there's only one guy (the store manager) at EB that I like doing business with. With the increased availability in games at Best Buy and Circuit City (same day release as games at EB/Gamestop), I'm going to do more business with them. There's no trading, but that'll just keep me in check when it comes to getting something that should be a keeper.

Wal-Mart. How are they the top dogs (or one ofthe top dogs) with game sales?