PS3 3.0 Firmware Version Goes Online

As promised during the gamescom conference, Sony Computer Entertainment has released version 3.0 of the system software for the PS3. As of this writing, update is only available via the Internet. Apart from changes in the XMB and other enhancements, the update contains some new features and improvements for those who use the PS3 as a Blu-ray player.

The relevant updates include:

Simultaneous audio across outputs: now you can output audio over the HDMI, digital optical and AV Multi connectors at the same time. However, everything except for the connection specified in the main audio output setting outputs in two-channel only.

Control of video playback using the games controller: now you can fast forward, fast reverse and do slow motion with the right stick of your controller.

PAL error corrected: with firmware versions 2.70 through 2.80, if during BD playback a North American PS3 encountered a section of video encoded in a PAL refresh rate (576i50, 576p50 or 1080i50), it stopped playback, displayed an error message and reverted to the XMB, even if the BD in question was region-free. Now it just skips forward, as it used to do with previous firmware versions.

Expanded audio upconversion: audio upconversion to 88.2KHz or 176.4KHz (heretofore only available for CDs) is now possible for audio from hard disc and USB sources.