April 15, 2008 8:09 AM PDT

PS3 system update v2.30 now available

Posted by John P. Falcone

Sony wasn't kidding when it said the next PS3 system update was coming in mid-April. Just in time to take the edge off tax day, the version 2.30 of the PlayStation 3 system software is now available for download. As revealed last week, the software update adds DTS Master Audio decoding (to deliver the best audio from compatible Blu-ray movies), as well as a major overhaul of the interface for the PlayStation Store (as explained in the Sony video walkthrough shown above).

The question is: what do you think? Does the DTS upgrade make the PS3 an even better Blu-ray player? Does the PlayStation Store makeover finally put Sony's online offerings on par with Xbox Live? Is all of this irrelevant compared with the forthcoming releases of Grand Theft Auto IV and Metal Gear Solid 4? Let us know what you think.

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) 35 comments (Page 1 of 3)
by mpatyk April 15, 2008 8:39 AM PDT
I am SERIOUSLY disapointed in Sony , here they had a chance to finally be equal with XBOX Live and offer complete full downloads of movies and tv shows when the re-vamped the PLAYSTATION store, but THEY DO NOT!!! This is the one feature that the PLAYSTATION store BADLY needs. Sony claims they want the PS3 to be a entertainment hub, but with out this feature of downloading full complete movies and tv shows., then the PS3 will always be second rate to XBOX 360. And the PS3 shouldn't be second rate to anyone since it IS a superior product. Maybe Sony will re-think and add this sorely missing capability.
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by brocknation April 15, 2008 8:56 AM PDT
The PS3 is no doubt a superior system and should be revered as such. I think Sony is still "backing" Blu-Ray vice online downloads. Sony mentioned entering the online media outlet as new Sony TV products are integrated with a new DMX service. In comparison to the XBOX, the Dashboard is a messy interface compared to Sony XMB. I have yet to review Sony's online store, but it's organization and aesthetics are welcomed compared to Dashboard's cartoon-ish appearance. The PS3 remains a great entertainment hub and will probably incorporate a future media download service. Sony's playing it smart remaining with Blu-Ray as it's superior media product instead of HD downloads I've viewed on AppleTV.
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by dan356 April 15, 2008 9:02 AM PDT
mpatyk, What!? Who needs to download generic movies that you only get to keep for 3 days? Its called Tivo my main man. Xbox live provides the most dumb crap. Its a gaming console not a tivo. By the time you download a rental movie on xbox live it fills up your entire HDD. Its just garbage. Thats why theres Tivo, blockbuster, etc. Yeah, no one needs to download little rentals, and bad tv shows. Just get Tivo you little chode. I can Watch, Record, have on demand tv with my Tivo. Not really slow 4gb downloads on xbox live. Yeah with Tivo i just have nice full 1080P HD with Tivo
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by zgreenwell April 15, 2008 9:12 AM PDT
This does help make the playstation store more competitive. By watching the video it looks really similar to what is on Xbox live. Of course the biggest problem with PSN is that it doesn't have a centralized friends list and the biggest problem with live is that you have to pay for the ability to play online (not to shop or chat).
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by han012 April 15, 2008 9:27 AM PDT
mpatyk, why would Sony bastardize the sales of their BD discs by offering online video? If you want crappy online video, than stick with your d/l'able content on xbox live.
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by dotcommunism April 15, 2008 9:31 AM PDT
I own a PS3 and previously owned an XBOX 360, however sold it so I could afford a PS3. With that said, I continue to be disappointed in the PS3's XMB. The 360 Dashboard was amazing, I could plug in my iPod and it would recognize and could view playlists, artists, etc while the PS3 struggles with this. When I plug in the iPod to the PS3, it just gives me folders which I have to hunt for songs. Further, the PS3 is lacking in custom soundtracks in-game... which the 360 could from the get go. And to user dan356: The moves that XBOX Live Marketplace offered are NOT generic. What the heck is a "generic" movie anyways? A Clockwork Orange wasn't generic. 300 isn't generic. Three Kings, The Matrix Series, Eyes Wide Shut, Harry Potter aren't generic. I can go on and on about the movie titles offered.... Plus they offer tons of moves in HD so again you're wrong. Stop lying to the people that read this forum. Once you're done watching a move, you delete it off the hard drive. It's not a hard concept, that's why the hard drive is there. While playing online, I miss the friends list feature the 360 had..... Having said that, the PS3 has a long way to go before I really am impressed with it. Right now, I'm just sitting tight for what MIGHT be, not what it actually is right now. But I knew that when I sold my 360.
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by xavierwalls April 15, 2008 10:45 AM PDT
I love both systems, and the reason the Xbox offers downloadable movies is because you cant play em in the unit(Not w/o the HD Drive Expansion). Why would Ps3 offer this when they charge $35 bucks per blueray. I feel both UI's are incredibly easy to use. I would say the Xbox still is superior in games available but its not that big of deal for me considering I rent games online for both systems. Now if only I could get my hands on a damn WII!!
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by SCFootballFan April 15, 2008 10:50 AM PDT
dan356 - "Yeah with Tivo i just have nice full 1080P HD with Tivo" - you're watching 1080P broadcasts from your Tivo box?
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by sussexj April 15, 2008 11:57 AM PDT
On par with xbox live? No not quite, but I have to give Sony credit for working hard to improve the service and interface while still keeping it free. Loving the new PS Store look and feel. :)
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by Rsiller April 15, 2008 12:07 PM PDT
I just want a freaking Flash player for the freaking web browser.
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