The world's most successful Blu-ray disc player is just about to become even more desirable. As of April 15th, PlayStation3 owners will be able to download the latest Version 2.30 Firmware – and with it, gain access to high-definition audio from the console's PS3 output.
The free update will enable the PS3 to decode internally DTS-HD and DTS-HD Master Audio content from Blu-ray discs. Previously, the console had only been able to downgrade this soundtrack to DTS Core at 1.5Mbps and then output via PCM.
DTS-HD MA support means you'll soon be able to listen to up to 7.1 channels of 24.5Mbps audio (6.1Mbps for DTS-HD).
Teji Yukata, Senior Vice President of Software Platform Development at Sony Computer Entertainment, says: "The PS3 was designed to enable delivery of new and improved technologies like DTS-HD Master Audio, so we are delighted to be able offer this capability to PS3 users."
However, there's no mention of the PS3 being able to output any of the HD audio formats in bitstream form. Sony's argument is that the PS3's decoding for said formats is so powerful, it's better to crack them on board the player and send audio out as Linear PCM.
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