Firmware 1.5 (Fixes B/C graphics)

[FantasyGhost]

http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jp.playstation.com%2F info%2Frelease%2Fnr_20070123_ps3_150.html&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8
“Play station 3” accompanying system software Ver.1.50 update
Electronic money “Edy (the eddy)” with it corresponds to payment with PLAYSTATION®Store.
From January 24th start of update

SONY [konpiyutaentateinmentojiyapan] * 1 (SCEJ), computer entertainment system “play station 3” (PS3™) from January 24th we update system software, in version 1.50.

Because of this, as for everyone of the PS3™ user PLAYSTATION®Network * in addition to the credit card which utilization it has received so far with PLAYSTATION®Store of 2, [puribeido] type electronic money “Edy (the eddy)” * 3 it reaches the point where utilization it can receive, begins the stock [saihuketai] ® making use of “Edy” in [uoretsuto] of PLAYSTATION®Network charge (payment) it reaches the point where it can receive * 4. With the diversification of charge method to [uoretsuto], convenience increases more and is moved PLAYSTATION®Network by more familiarly and reaches the point where it can receive.

The system software of PS3™ starts doing various functional additions and strengthening of security with the version upgrade which in the future is offered on occasion. Updating always in up-to-date version, you can experience the world of the entertainment to which by the fact that it receives, method of enjoying spreads, is new.

Furthermore, contents concerning version upgrade every time of version upgrade, our company web sight (http://www.jp.playstation.com/) with guide in target date.

It starts propelling SCEJ, powerfully PS3™ as a computer entertainment platform of the next generation.

* The main function which is renewed with system software version 1.50

User

It reaches the point where the picture of the user idea contest [can be chosen from the photo].

Setting

[Edy Viewer] is added.
[[Operation sound] is added to sound setting].
[[Deletion of the backup data] is added [to the backup utility] of substance setting].
[Network setting] > [Internet connection setting] > [the radio] [WEP128 and WPA-PSK (TKIP), WPA-PSK (AES) is added to the security system which can be utilized [with AOSS™] of automatic setting classified by access point]. *

* When it sets AOSS™ already with version of the time before, the above-mentioned security system is utilized, once more it is necessary to set AOSS™.
* The security system which it utilizes is set automatically.
*AOSS™ is trade mark of the corporation buffalo.

Network

With PLAYSTATION®Store charge (payment) it is possible “Edy” empty [uoretsuto] it reaches the point where.

Friend

It reaches the point where method of the password retaining PLAYSTATION®Network/automatic sign in can be chosen.
In addition

It reaches the point where it can input Korean with the keyboard.
You can verify PlayStation® of the part in PS3™ and the up-to-date operational status of the PlayStation®2 standard software with the private search sight.
http://www.jp.playstation.com/ps3/status/
* For the country you take charge of business as a division company of 1 corporation SONY [konpiyutaentateinmento].
* With 2 PS3 users to basic functional such as message switching in addition service, utilization of the online game,
???In addition you can enjoy the download and the like of the additional data of the game and the game. Below please refer to details
??(http://www.jp.playstation.com/ps3/psn/).
* 3 “Edy” (the eddy) concerning below please refer to details (http://www.edy.jp/).
* The non contact type IC reader lighter/writer “PaSoRi which utilizes 4 FeliCa ([pasori])” with combining “Edy” service
???Utilization it becomes possible to receive.

Above

* “[saihuketai]” is registered trade mark of corporation n [tei] & [tei] [dokomo].
* FeliCa and PaSoRi ([pasori]), it is registered trade mark of the SONY corporation.
* “Edy (the eddy)” it is the brand of the prepaid type electronic money service which the bit wallet corporation manages.
* “XMB” is trade mark of SONY corporation and corporation SONY [konpiyutaentateinmento].
* “PlayStation” and “PLAYSTATION” are registered trade mark of corporation SONY [konpiyutaentateinmento].
??In addition, “PS3” is trade mark of the same company.

[Fillibuster]

Eh...What? lol 1.5 looks good to me though!

[FantasyGhost]

Yeah it's crappy translation but still we know the date... 24 January

[Fillibuster]

Yeah all in all a great find Fantasy

[Z]

I understood one thing from that: there is a new firmware update.

[user friendly]

Jan. 24 is for the Japanese. Hopefully N.A.'s is soon if not at the same time.

[Siraris]

konpiyutaentateinmento].
* With 2 PS3 users to basic functional such as message switching in addition service, utilization of the online game,
???In addition you can enjoy the download and the like of the additional data of the game and the game. Below please refer to details


Could this be multi-tasking?

[Epix]

Could this be multi-tasking?

I don't think so. It sounds more like two users being linked to the same PSN account.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

yay new update.

[jaxmkii]

please please please FIX MY DVI-D problem!

[frosty]

no, that sounds like multi tasking to me.

let me break it down

* With 2 PS3 users to basic functional such as message switching in addition service, utilization of the online game,

Sending messages while playing a game rather than having to leave it first.

???In addition you can enjoy the download and the like of the additional data of the game and the game. Below please refer to details

This sounds like being able to download in the background while you do other things.

[dockthepod]

I'm not quite reading the first one the same frosty. I think it will just let you migrate messages between users on one ps3, but who knows.

On the second one, I think you are spot on.

[Epix]

no, that sounds like multi tasking to me.

let me break it down



Sending messages while playing a game rather than having to leave it first.


This sounds like being able to download in the background while you do other things.

Honestly it sounds like garbled shit, but we'll see tomorrow if it is indeed multi-tasking. My vote is no. Another tip off is the fact that the update is 1.5 and I would believe the BIG update we're all waiting for would be 2.0.

[Cless]

some pics of Edy functionality

http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20070123/ps301.jpg
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20070123/ps302.jpg
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20070123/ps303.jpg
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20070123/ps304.jpg

Don't know if it matters for some (unless you live in Japan).

[FantasyGhost]

Hmmm seems like something we call "Proton". Where there's money on your credit card itself. Nice find.

[Garfunkel]

I tried my best to read it but gave up, all i know is theres an update.

But don't start thinking multi tasking is now enabled, it could just be the terrifying translation.

nice find.

[KnightRiderX]

PS3 Firmware 1.50: Buy games on PS Network with Felica phones or Edy contactless electronic money cards

SCEJ announces the PS3 firmware version 1.50 today adding an electronic money payment system, so you don’t always need a credit card to buy games online anymore. First, pick up the electronic money PaSoRi reader/writerfor your PS3, connect it via the USB port on the console, update the firmware to version 1.50, then you are all set to add money to your Network Wallet and buy games on Playstation Network with your Felica phone or Edy money card. Felica phones are phones with built-in a contactless electronic money chip, these phones are able to show on the screen the balance on your money chip, record of latest transactions, the stations you passed by, your flight boarding pass, movie tickets, Tokyo Disneyland queue reserve ticket and purchase coupons. The Edy card only does the e-money storing but it’s a separate “touch-and-go” card like the Oyster Card in the UK or the Octopus in Hong Kong, but those started out as stored value tickets for trains. Apart from the new electronic money support, firmware version 1.50 also improves the AOSS W-LAN security with the choice of 128bit WEP, WPA-PSK(TKIP/AES) protocols. Minor updates such as the ability to save log-in password for PS Network login and the support for Korean Hangul keyboard are also introduced. The firmware 1.50 will be available on Jan24 and it is for PS3 in Japan only, there is no word on upcoming updates for the American consoles as we are writing. — Sam Chan

http://www.gearfuse.com/wp-content/uploads/samuel/jan07/ps3v1.50screen.jpg

Source (http://www.gearfuse.com/ps3-firmware-150-buy-games-on-ps-network-with-felica-phones-or-edy-contactless-electronic-money-cards/)

[Garfunkel]

that's a bit better, i wish viano was here to translate the original article.

[OmniCloud]

Man...Japan gets everything first! I don't wanna use my Credit Card either Sony! And where's custom soundtracks already!!

ps-don't mind me...just ranting

[fazzk]

Man...Japan gets everything first! I don't wanna use my Credit Card either Sony! And where's custom soundtracks already!!

ps-don't mind me...just ranting



Update 1.5 is available right now..I am installing now too.

[Fillibuster]

Damn i just turned the box off for the night because i checked at 12:19 and there still was no update...

[CreativeWriter]

I'm installing too. Any word on if this is identical to the Japanese release or whether "increased backwards compatibility" is worth noting?

[CreativeWriter]

First thing I noticed is the pointer moves faster on the browser...

Icons are rearranged on the browser as well. "Close window" is now above "Page certificate."

It appears font-size changes no longer work with forums like this one (boo!).

In PS2 games the PS button allows for a "switch analog mode option."

I just popped in FFXII and I'm not sure, but I think the "pixel flipping" issue is resolved. The game looks... better than on the PS2 maybe... color saturation is richer or something. Somebody else check to confirm... As far as I can tell FFXII looks identical to PS2 version now...

[frosty]

Though I can't speak for every PS One and PS2 game, since I don't own that many, every single one I've tried looks significantly better on the PS3. Before I would play them on my PS2 but now I'll be playing them on my PS3. The picture is much improved on all my games.


A lot of people are saying this on the PS3 boards. Can anyone confirm this?

Edit: Still more saying it, at least with FF12.

[wotter]

Well yes:

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/1820/ps315bcfix18mc.jpg

[Applefiend]

Whey hey!

Downloading now, if the PS2/1 games play well I may end up picking up that Kiwi PS3 on launch after all.

Got a big stack of japanese PS2 games here, will report back.

[frosty]

Looks good to me. Nice to know as I get a PS3 in a couple days.

Had to edit that into the thread title, it's nice to hear some good news about ps3.

Max Payne 2 is incredible now on the PS3. I really think this will liven up the PS2 scene again, seeing as how much smoother some of the "chuggier" PS2 games look on a ps3, like max payne, killzone, TimeSplitters (when doing custom maps+bots)

[dockthepod]

Yup! I can confirm with Katamari Damaci. The text was all shredded up and now it's smooth. w00t!

[Garfunkel]

cool, but instead of adding features, they should be focusing on bug squatting.

[Applefiend]

OK, first test, the very lovely Raiden III

the aspect ratio looks different, it's quite odd, I'll get the camera out. I think the quality is acceptable now, although I think the colours may still be richer on a PS2 over component but yeah, I can live with this.

[edit]forget the bit about the aspect ratio, it was the tv. :)

Trying Wipeout 1 on PS1. Very sharp, very sexy, completely different than before, done from blurry and nasty to pin sharp. Very nice.

Trying Maximo Army of zin.

OK, I think the pictures are very close. The PS3 seems to do a thing where the picture goes up one pixel then down again every so often. But I think of Maximo I'd say the PS3 image over hdmi has the edge over a PS2. I think it's sharper. It's sharp to the point where the you can see individual pixels, it's comparable to RGB Scart.

Nice....! Stop moaning about that now. :)

[frosty]

^the colors won't be the same due to the differences between HDMI and component. Remember Cpias saying that PS2 was able to hide some of it's graphical flaws because of the video being transferred over an analog wire? That may be what you are noticing.

[CreativeWriter]

Woo-hoo! Time to buy one of those PS2 to PS3 save converters... Now the PS3 is finally fully backwards compatible. This makes me so much more excited for Rogue Galaxy and God of War 2. I wasn't relishing the thought of keeping the PS2 out for so long to complete those games. Now I can send it to the closet. This is the best update to the firmware yet.

[frosty]

And to think... it can get even better. Once the scaler is in place it may upscale the games as well.

[wotter]

Great news, isn't it? Now I'll play GOWII on my PS3 in a few months :drunks:

[Applefiend]

Ridge Racer 1 from 50th Anniversary Collection: Frighteningly sharp. Horriffic in fact. :)

Fighting for One Piece: Perhaps not as sharp as I'd like it, obviously not upscaled, but very nice, PS2 or better quality.

Gradius V : Sex on legs. very sharp very nice.

Taito Memories Vol 1+2 - Bit dicey actually, dunno why. I think Taito Memories is just blurry by design.

Yup.<*Puts on Margret Thatcher Voice*> Rejoice!

[frosty]

post some pics for us apple!

[Applefiend]

I'll give it a go:

It's very hard to tell but you'll have to take my word for it the PS3 is sharper:

http://www.bhprojects.com/Media/ps2blur.jpg
PS2

http://www.bhprojects.com/Media/ps3blur.jpg
PS3

Can you just about tell there? My shaky hand is probably cancelling the difference though.

[edit]It was the same filename, ops! :)

[Garfunkel]

they look the same to me.

But i believe you :D

[Applefiend]

Yeah, I'm a huge PS2 fan and if I was single region my PS2 would be in the trash today, no point keeping it around now. Very important to me, it's just rumble and HD Advance you're missing and you know... Sod all that. :)

But I got games from Japan, Europe and USA so my chipped PS2 will survive another day.

I think the richness in colour thing I noticed earlier was down to TV settings, the Bravia lets you have different settings for different connectors. It's just plain better on PS3.

Right, find something else to whine about now. Might pick up that second PS3 after all. :)

There will be wireless hdmi playing of Gradius V in the streets of Auckland tonight...!

[frosty]

anything aside from text?

[Applefiend]

OK, Lemmie find some thing that really shows it off. I think PS1 might be the best bet, that was the biggest difference.

[frosty]

off topic, is this new?

http://www.naughtydog.com/comingsoon/index.html

[Garfunkel]

why are you picking up two ps3's apple?

[Applefiend]

Region B Blu Rays, and because I'm getting one very cheap. But not sure if I am to be honest, I'll see if they region lock all online play for 1st party games.

[Garfunkel]

i see.

[VG Aficionado]

All PS1 and PS2 games look good on PS3 or even better now? Excellent news!

[Applefiend]

http://www.bhprojects.com/Media/wipeout1.jpg
PS2

http://www.bhprojects.com/Media/wipeout2.jpg
PS3

I think you may have to just take my word for it. :) It's PS2 RGB scart quality I'd say, exactly what you'd expect from hdmi, I don't have any 480p japanese PS2 games, maybe you'd get >RGB Scart quality on that. Whoop.

I guess you american guys have never enjoyed the pleasures of RGB Scart so for you guys, PS2 on PS3+hdmi > PS2 on PS2. Escepially since PS2 component is so lousy. Niiiiiice!

[CreativeWriter]

off topic, is this new?

http://www.naughtydog.com/comingsoon/index.html

Looks new to me... and fantastic! +rep :clap: Like oldschool Pitfall or Indiana Jones. I'm gonna have to take a sleeping pill tonight to get to sleep. This is exciting stuff.

[VG Aficionado]

Have any of you checked whether PS3 can also download content in the background while playing games now or perform any other kind of multitasking (playing music while browsing the internet and so on)?

[Applefiend]

I'm on it!

No background download that I can see. One button to cancel as usual.

It plays music while the browser is running, did it do that before?

[Garfunkel]

^i believe it did yes, just not anything else.

[Z]

I'll see if they region lock all online play for 1st party games.
you can still log-in to the region you want by making an account for that region. so I can play in the N.A. servers while living in China. if that is any help for you.

[kaleii]

off topic, is this new?
<link to Naughty Dog website>

Nopes. It was shown at E3 2006, and the video has been on the website since last year.

Good stuff though. I'm looking forward to hearing more information about it.

[VG Aficionado]

BEFORE
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/bebpo/ps3hdmioq1.jpg

NOW
http://i16.tinypic.com/2cdbgvr.jpg

No more graphical issues! Until someone tests all PS1 and PS2 darkest games and finds one that has small flaws and blows it out of proportion, spreads FUD like mad and threatens with filing a suit again :laugh:

Now PS3 surely has the best backwards compatibility anyone can offer :thumbl:

[Garfunkel]

those colours are wildly different, more then i'd expect from using different cables.

[stanDarsh]

Wow, that's amazingly better!

[VG Aficionado]

I think the colours are a matter of the room lighting and the way whoever took those pictures in my previous post. I'm sure the colours look like they should look like or maybe slightly better, but I'm sure that's not the best example. However, it does illustrate that those infamous artifacts are gone now.

[Garfunkel]

yeah, it is much better, the second pic.

[Leedogg]

dang it! dang it!

I got to leave in a couple minutes, so I won't have time to upgrade right now....

But this is definitely exciting news!!

[ollin]

Downloaded the firmware update this morning. These firmware updates scare me everytime cause of the chance of bricking the console.

I checked another site and it mentioned this.
User can now set an image/photo (off a mem stick etc) for their user id

Has anyone tried this yet?

[Sebastiano]

Downloaded the firmware update this morning. These firmware updates scare me everytime cause of the chance of bricking the console.

I checked another site and it mentioned this.
User can now set an image/photo (off a mem stick etc) for their user id

Has anyone tried this yet?

That would be great if true

Can anyone confirme this????

[F089/H]

Every thing works...There is no more Lag During games offline.......Has anyone else noticed this?No more blipping either...But I also switched back to HDMI for this Update as well.

[ollin]

That would be great if true

Can anyone confirme this????
I can't seem to get it to work. :(

[Killing Moon]

Extremely nice update. Now all we need is resolution upscaling for PSOne and PS2 games.

Awesome!!

[Epix]

That would be great if true

Can anyone confirme this????

I think it means changing the avatar of the system users, not the PSN ID avatar.

[Nameless]

I don't see any changes with the update...
B/C still looks the same & I can't access friend chat during gameplay or BR movies... I just don't see any major functionality changes with the update.
Perhaps there's a lot things in the background addressed with the update...

I agree with other posters Sony needs to address the PS2 B/C pronto, because I don't want to hook up my PS2 to play GOW 2. Peace

PS: I tried GT4 and changed the display settings to 16:9/1080i, the game still looks off for some reason... I don't have any other PS2 games to test out, but I may give my only PSOne game MGS a try.

[VG Aficionado]

I don't see any changes with the update...
B/C still looks the same & I can't access friend chat during gameplay or BR movies... I just don't see any major functionality changes with the update.
Perhaps there's a lot things in the background addressed with the update...

I agree with other posters Sony needs to address the PS2 B/C pronto, because I don't want to hook up my PS2 to play GOW 2. Peace

PS: I tried GT4 and changed the display settings to 16:9/1080i, the game still looks off for some reason... I don't have any other PS2 games to test out, but I may give my only PSOne game MGS a try.Now that you included a PS, your post makes more sense. You're the first one to report that it's still the same while others can see the main graphical issues have been solved.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Yay you can make your User Avatar (under 'users) a custom picture and not just a colored...box..shape...happy face.

[Nameless]

Since I have some time to kill today, I will hook up my PS2 & compare the visuals to my PS3. I may have a poor memory and think the PS2 version looks better in error... Once I compare both I will share my thoughts. Peace

[Red_Eyes]

Sony deserve three hand claps for fixing backward compatibility. Bravo!

[Nameless]

I apologize Sony!!! The update definately addressed the B/C issue, because I just compared the visuals of GT4 on the PS2 with component cables to the PS3 via HDMI. The PS3 version actually looks slightly better than the PS2 version. Unfortunately my poor memory gave GT4 more props than it deserved visually... (Compared to next-gen titles)

Once again I can officially confirm that the B/C issue was addressed with the new PS3 update. ;)

[Domination]

Have any of you checked whether PS3 can also download content in the background while playing games now or perform any other kind of multitasking (playing music while browsing the internet and so on)?

It can already do this without an upgrade. I do it all the time when surfacing the the web. ;) The music also works while viewing pictures and looking/making adjustments to your buddy list or text chatting, if I remember correctly.

[Cless]

Since someone mentioned bricking the console.

Could someone answer this question:
Is there a HARD reset for the PS3 when a firmware update went bad?
Let's say while updating your PS3 the electricity just got cut off, is there a way to hard reset your ps3 to firmware 1.00?
If it is not possible I might think to buy a UPS Power Battery Backup just for the PS3.

[VG Aficionado]

I apologize Sony!!! The update definately addressed the B/C issue, because I just compared the visuals of GT4 on the PS2 with component cables to the PS3 via HDMI. The PS3 version actually looks slightly better than the PS2 version. Unfortunately my poor memory gave GT4 more props than it deserved visually... (Compared to next-gen titles)

Once again I can officially confirm that the B/C issue was addressed with the new PS3 update. ;):pleased:

It can already do this without an upgrade. I do it all the time when surfacing the the web. ;) The music also works while viewing pictures and looking/making adjustments to your buddy list or text chatting, if I remember correctly.Oh, that's good then. I'd swear someone from this board said he couldn't do that. I guess it was just that he didn't know how to do it instead of being unable to do it because of the current firmware.

If it is not possible I might think to buy a UPS Power Battery Backup just for the PS3.I've been considering this for a long time now, and I think I'll end up buying one for my PS3 and PC now.

[Fillibuster]

Can someone tell me the size of the update? I downloaded the trailer for 300 last night and our building has DL limits so I might have to wait until like 11 tonight to update the beast...But I preordered GOW2 the other day and I'm pumped that I can finally play it on PS3, my PS2 is barely reading any discs now adays, and I've opened it three times since I've been back at school to shift the laser level. I have to hold my breath and pray everytime I want to play Guitar Hero!

[Domination]

First thing I noticed is the pointer moves faster on the browser...

Icons are rearranged on the browser as well. "Close window" is now above "Page certificate."

It appears font-size changes no longer work with forums like this one (boo!).

In PS2 games the PS button allows for a "switch analog mode option."

I just popped in FFXII and I'm not sure, but I think the "pixel flipping" issue is resolved. The game looks... better than on the PS2 maybe... color saturation is richer or something. Somebody else check to confirm... As far as I can tell FFXII looks identical to PS2 version now...

Bogus speculation had it as not being possible and that it was a hardware issue. :nervous:

I can't say that I was anywhere close buying that.

[curryking1]

Just do... one more thing.... to... make B/C a perfect dreamy like feature!!

I think we all know what that is lol.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

The next update, or the next big update needs background downloading, and the ability to play music while in the playstation store, and, what the heck, music during games (personally don't care, but, might as well).

[Nameless]

I may sell back my PS2 and pick up FFXII today... ;)

[PSXBatou]

Does this update address DVD upscaling? At least i can play my PS2 games and ahve them look better than they would have on a PS2 :D

[Nameless]

^ No upscaling yet... At this rate we may have upscaling in a few weeks!

[jaxmkii]

CONFIRMED B/C FIXED! i just play FFXII and no problems!

[Killing Moon]

^ No upscaling yet... At this rate we may have upscaling in a few weeks!

GOD, I hope so!!!

[totobeni]

good work sony ... that why i love Sony and Playstation..

now my old PS2 is useless...what i do with it ?

[Fats]

Well done Sony, glad to see that this major issue has been fixed. The March launch is looking even grander consider most major issues will be fixed! Hooray!

[Cless]

New feature!
Reading that you can zoom in the web browser now by pressing Square and R2.
Yep, it works. While holding down Square you can either tap or hold L2 or R2 to Zoom Out or In, respectively. I'm not sure of the max zoom but it's damn near infinite zoom. Also just tap Square again to reset it.

You can also use the Left Stick to move the window around.
Courtesy of Dezcom @ neogaf.

[Applefiend]

I'd like to hear if anyone still has the controller spaz out with 1.5. This seems to be the final PS3 issue keeping the machine from greatness.

So far so good but I haven't really been stressing it.

[EvilTaru]

This is awesome. Their next priority should be changing the friends messaging system to enable one to message one's friends while in a game and be able to see what other people are playing while in a game, this is very important, it will add a whole lot to the community experience.

[dockthepod]

New feature!


Courtesy of Dezcom @ neogaf.

Holy shit. That makes my day. I tried last night to change the font sizes to +2 hoping that would fix it (I'm on a 1080i tv and shit is small...), but no... Zoom sounds perfect.

[VG Aficionado]

good work sony ... that why i love Sony and Playstation..

now my old PS2 is useless...what i do with it ?Sell it to buy one or two PS3 games or keep it if you care about rumble in PS2 games.

[Fats]

Or keep it for nostalgic reasons, which I'll be doing. ;)

[Fillibuster]

And Guitar Hero. Atleast until a worthy adapter comes out.

[dockthepod]

Has anyone tried GT4 @ 1080i on the ps3? I'm curious on how this works out with the new firmware and I'm at work...

[VG Aficionado]

Or keep it for nostalgic reasons, which I'll be doing. ;)Me too :-p I keep my PS1 as well, of course.

[Nameless]

Has anyone tried GT4 @ 1080i on the ps3? I'm curious on how this works out with the new firmware and I'm at work...

I tried it and it looks just like the PS2 version or slightly better! :shocked:

[Fats]

Oh, I have two PS1's VG. *1337* :)

It's great that Sony have done this and that PS2 games are truly up to power on the PS3 but does anyone have any idea if there will be further firmware upgrades to improve the graphics of PS2 (to a lesser extent, PS1) games even further?

[Epix]

Can anyone confirm if and how you can change the photo and movie thumbnails?

[Nameless]

^ I could see an upscaler and blur/smoother being implemented, but I doubt we will see any major updates. Honestly I'm just happy that I can play PS2 games on the PS3 and the image quality is adaquate...

[Smokey]

^ I could see an upscaler and blur/smoother being implemented, but I doubt we will see any major updates. Honestly I'm just happy that I can play PS2 games on the PS3 and the image quality is adaquate...

as long as its the same quality or better i wont complain :)

[Nameless]

^^^ During the video select change icon & the next 15 secs will be the new video thumbnail.

[user friendly]

Can you zoom on your pictures yet?

[frosty]

It's really nice to see such a big issue addressed so early on. Makes me wonder what surprises the March update will have. Upscaling for games and movies is a given, and it would also be nice to see AA and AF on b/c titles.

[user friendly]

Can anyone check? Please....



~~EDIT~~

For those who are having problems getting through the XMB.

1.5 English (http://www.us.playstation.com/ps3/network/updates/default.html)

1.5 Spanish (http://www.us.playstation.com/ps3/network/updates/spanish/default.html)

1.5 French (http://www.us.playstation.com/ps3/network/updates/french/default.html)

[OmniCloud]

Custom soundtracks is awesome! Honestly, all the community features like Live and stuff IMO is just unnecessary outside of messaging while in a game. Custom soundtracks and upscaling is all that needs to be addressed for me!

Keep em coming Sony....And give us next-gen EyeToy already! How the heck are we supposed to do all that cool stuff in Singstar:huh:

[VG Aficionado]

The European launch announcement mentions that the firmware will be upgraded by then, but it doesn't elaborate on the changes.

Has anyone tried Shadow Of The Colossus on the PS3 yet? I wonder if there's any small improvement, even though I'm sure it already looked good as long as you could enable progressive scan when playing it on PS2 or PS3.

[curryking1]

It's really nice to see such a big issue addressed so early on. Makes me wonder what surprises the March update will have. Upscaling for games and movies is a given, and it would also be nice to see AA and AF on b/c titles.

*Starts drooling*

Seriously, MGS2, holy shiT! @ how good it looks at 60 FPS and high res with AA and AF! And now even FF XII, and KH, and MGS3, SOTC and GTA (PS2 version has much better colouration and overall visual appearance than the PC ver, I can attest to that having both for so long, R* made an even worse port than what they did with Vice City, you should see how bad the effects look like the heat haze, fugly)!!!

IF THERE IS A GOD!!! IT WILL HAPPEN!!!:angel: Framerate issues = non existant and resolution pimped to the max!!! O dear god it sounds sooooo good!!! PLEASE LET IT HAPPEN!

O ya, custom soundtracks would be wicked too.

[Garfunkel]

Good to see them pumping out the updates so quickly, many issues have already been solved, i am hoping for big changes by the euro launch however.

can anyone check how good GTA SA looks on ps3 compared to ps2?

[curryking1]

Do games run better by any chance either??? Or is that all the same right now.

[user friendly]

can anyone check how good GTA SA looks on ps3 compared to ps2?


It's funny, I just checked SA when I went home (girlfriend updated for me) and it didnt seem to make a difference. It was the only game I checked and unfortunatly I was pretty dissapointed.

[killermmn]

ps2 games on ps3 is stable now,no more blocky games

[gnznroses]

right before i upgraded i put in NFS:HP2 and the logo was just awful looking. looks mostly normal now, if not a bit blurry or something
i like how the store shows info on items now when you mouseover instead of having to click em.

[Nameless]

Decided to sell back my PS2 and guess how much Gamestop offered me for the console...
A whole $35 bucks! :wtf:
I told the sales rep forget it, I will sell it on Ebay with the hard drive for more than $35 bucks or just keep it. Then I asked how much are they selling used PS2s for and he told me $100 bucks. That's over 250% profit on selling used consoles; most things with that type of return are illegal...

I decided to still pick up FXII with a gift card I received for Christmas and the sales rep offered me a used copy for 5 bucks off the price, I declined. He asked why and I said I would rather pay the 5 bucks than to give them the huge profit on the used game. Also, I said the publisher deserved the money, another guy in line chuckled. I think something needs to be done about the selling of used games and consoles, because the average consumer is getting raped. Peace

[Garfunkel]

^agreed...

this is why they have their crappy "sell 5 games and get 10% of a new one!" deals. This is why i have since taken my business elsewhere.

[xbdestroya]

Decided to sell back my PS2 and guess how much Gamestop offered me for the console...
A whole $35 bucks! :wtf:
I told the sales rep forget it, I will sell it on Ebay with the hard drive for more than $35 bucks or just keep it. Then I asked how much are they selling used PS2s for and he told me $100 bucks. That's over 250% profit on selling used consoles; most things with that type of return are illegal...

I decided to still pick up FXII with a gift card I received for Christmas and the sales rep offered me a used copy for 5 bucks off the price, I declined. He asked why and I said I would rather pay the 5 bucks than to give them the huge profit on the used game. Also, I said the publisher deserved the money, another guy in line chuckled. I think something needs to be done about the selling of used games and consoles, because the average consumer is getting raped. Peace

Agreed, it's out of control. I never buy used games unless the new version is simply unavailable. Saving the $5 just isn't worth it relative to encouraging EBGames to continue doing what it does.

[venomv]

I agree, the only time I ever buy used games from them, is when they have some of those great used only sales (RE:CVX, Baldur's Gate:DA, and Dark Cloud for $10).

[gozirah]

I had a strange thought: this b/c fix is fantastic-- but I somehow feel like I am being toyed with by Sony. Since full b/c didn't come until now I feel like I appreciate it all the more now that I see the what I was missing.

If they release the upscaler, I will feel that way again.

And again, if remote play is updated.

Probably for the best, I might be overwhelmed if it all happened at once.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

I think it's more of a matter of them getting out what they can in reasonable packages at one time.

[Cless]

Final Fantasy XII comparison: PS2 vs PS3 1.10 vs PS3 1.50

http://media.ps3.ign.com/articles/758/758306/vids_1.html

[Z]

I think it's more of a matter of them getting out what they can in reasonable packages at one time.
I think they are working from a list of priorities. they have been releasing multiple upgrades since launch. they could have handled it like PSP and grouped everything in one upgrade every now and then, but I feel that they release a few things as soon as they get them done.
having said that, I agree that the b/c fix should have been the number on on their to do list. maybe it was but they couldn't get it done till now. who knows?

in any case, glad to see such an obvious issue getting out of the way. the upscaler is a bonus now, since we can view b/c games just fine.

[curryking1]

Seriously, screw the god damn used business to sell your games to those whacked out mofos at EB games and Gamestop and whatever. 5 dollars for a game I spent 60 on? And they resell it for 30 or 40? Fat chance.

I spent 130 dollars on my perfect condition PStwo, and you're giving me 30 dollars? No damn way.

100 dollars for two controllers (Sony), a PS2, a memory card, for 100 bucks... you HAVE to be kidding me.

[edoshin]

If I'm gonna give up my PS2 for $35, then I would rather sell it myself. The person who spends $35 on my console rather than $100 will have that much more cash to spend on games himself to sustain the industry. On the other hand, if I sold it for $100, then that is that much more money in my pocket to spend on games, once again supporting the industry.

[Killing Moon]

Has anyone tried GT4 @ 1080i on the ps3? I'm curious on how this works out with the new firmware and I'm at work...

I tried it and it looks just like the PS2 version or slightly better! :shocked:

This is a good question. Considering that HDMI is interlaced (or am I wrong), does this mean that when GT4 turns to 1080i, it's not instead 1080p?

*confused*, can someone clear this up, please?

[Epix]

^ Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't GT4 1080i only during the game menus, and 480p during gameplay? I thought I remember the game constantly switching resolutions from 1080i to 480p when I went from gameplay to game menus.

[frosty]

it upscales to 1080i during gameplay.

This is a good question. Considering that HDMI is interlaced (or am I wrong), does this mean that when GT4 turns to 1080i, it's not instead 1080p?

*confused*, can someone clear this up, please?

If HDMI were interlaced, how can it carry a 1080p progressive signal? HDMI can carry ALL video formats currently available, be it interlaced or progressive.

[Shogun042]

dunno if this was posted yet but here's Sony's official list of changes:

The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 1.50 update includes the following:

Users
You can now select an image to use as the User icon from [Photo].
Settings
[Key Tone] has been added as an option under [Sound Settings].
[Delete Backup Data] has been added as an option under [System Settings] > [Backup Utility].
WEP 128, WPA-PSK (TKIP) and WPA-PSK (AES) have been added as security methods that can be used with [AOSS™] under [Automatic].*
* If you have already set up for AOSS using an earlier version of the system software, you must perform AOSS setup again to use the security methods listed above.
* When [Automatic] is selected, the security method to be used is automatically set.
* AOSS is a trademark of Buffalo, Inc.
Friends
The method for saving your password / signing in automatically under PLAYSTATION®Network has been changed. There are now two separate options.
Other
You can now enter text in Korean using the on-screen keyboard.

http://www.us.playstation.com/ps3/network/updates

[Epix]

it upscales to 1080i during gameplay.

You're right, I had it reversed. 1080i during gameplay and 480p for the menus. :cheers:

[frosty]

Funny how they don't even mention them fixing the b/c issues.

[Smokey]

Funny how they don't even mention them fixing the b/c issues.

quiet suprise :)

[dockthepod]

It's actually not "true" 1080i (hres something like 500-600 rather than 1900), but it still looked much sharper than 480p. This was the first thing I tried when I got my HDTV and it was a decent holdover until I got my PS3. However, you can only drive the same course so many times, so it's time to fire up ol' GT4 :)

[cliffbo]

so the PS2 games issues are over?

[Smokey]

so the PS2 games issues are over?

yeah cliff (except upscaling)

[cliffbo]

yeah cliff (except upscaling)

cheers smokey! good news then... upscaling next (rubs hands together)

[CreativeWriter]

Yup, upscaling then some serious AA. When you pause FFXII it looks stunning, but the aliasing during gameplay is rough sometimes. I'm optimistic that software emulation can make some of these games look fantastic (SotC, Okami, FFXII)...

[cliffbo]

PS3 Updated to 1.50
Backwards compatibility issues fixed in latest firmware update.
by Jeff Haynes

US, January 24, 2007 - PlayStation 3 owners have become accustomed to downloading firmware updates for their console, taking advantage of new features like full screen video playback or revised Network services. Earlier today, Sony released the latest update for the next-gen system. Version 1.50 features a number of improvements to the console, such as the ability to take a photo and turn it into your user icon. This should give you a lot more flexibility if you've gotten tired of the smiley faces or stick figures for the system.

Users can now choose to turn the key tone that you hear as you shuttle between options on and off, and you now have the ability to delete your backup data on your system. Another important setting that has now changed for wireless connections is the inclusion of WEP 128, WPA-PSK (TKIP) and WPA-PSK (AES) as additional security methods that can be used with AOSS. For people that want to enter Korean via the PS3's on-screen keyboard, version 1.50 now provides support for that language. Finally, the way that you can save your password and sign in automatically via the PlayStation Network has been changed, with two separate options for users.

Japanese PS3 owners now have the ability to purchase content for their PS3 via the EDY system. This gives owners the option to pay for items on the PlayStation Store with pre-paid electronic money cards via card readers attached to the system via USB cables. Information on EDY sites even hinted that future support might allow purchases of content via cell phone. A specific EDY viewer is installed onto the PS3 to update balances of your cards and alert you if the balance is running low. However, North American owners don't have access to this new feature at all.

By far, the most important upgrade thanks to version 1.50 is the inclusion of improved backwards compatibility. PS3 owners cried foul (and rightly so) when they booted up their systems with PS2 titles and ran into pixelated text, texture tearing and a host of other visual issues. Thankfully, version 1.50 repairs all of these flaws with your titles, so you can experience your older PS2 games the way they were meant to be played. While the PS3 still downscales from higher resolutions to 480p when it's playing a backwards compatible game, the difference in clarity is striking.

As an example, we put Final Fantasy XII in a PS2, a PS3 that hadn't been updated, and finally a system running version 1.50. Make sure you pay attention to the facial details and textures within these clips from system to system.

We'll have more on future firmware updates as they're released.

http://www.gametab.com/news/796351/

[Jasonps3]

I'm not sure what it is but it seems this update also improves COD3 Graphics as well (less alising). Did anybody has the same thing?

[woundingchaney]

Great to hear, looks as if I might have to go get FF12 again.

[Garfunkel]

The faster they get these Firmware updates out, and improve their emulation software, the faster they can remove the EE+GS and save 27$ on the console, for each unit.

[VG Aficionado]

I'm not sure what it is but it seems this update also improves COD3 Graphics as well (less alising). Did anybody has the same thing?You really mean COD3 for PS3, right? Well, it would be amazing to find out that PS3 games look slightly better than before now! But I think more people would have noticed already.

[VG Aficionado]

I guess this little nice surprise about PS3's hardware (http://forums.e-mpire.com/showthread.php?t=68260) is behind all this.

[venomv]

I was thinking the exact same thing...

I thought that when you said "You really mean COD3 for PS3, right? Well, it would be amazing to find out that PS3 games look slightly better than before now! But I think more people would have noticed already."

[Domination]

Great to hear, looks as if I might have to go get FF12 again.

Hiding, it seems? :look:

[Nameless]

Great to hear, looks as if I might have to go get FF12 again.

I'm playing it now and the game is a solid RPG, but I'm still struggling with the visuals... I'm spoiled from having a year of next-gen & it's hard to go back; I know I'm a graphics whore... :shrug:

[jaxmkii]

I'm playing it now and the game is a solid RPG, but I'm still struggling with the visuals... I'm spoiled from having a year of next-gen & it's hard to go back; I know I'm a graphics whore... :shrug:

i never played VII and after playing FFX (my first FF XP) i asked a freing to borrow VII... i could't get over the grafix gap eather

[Z]

i never played VII and after playing FFX (my first FF XP) i asked a freing to borrow VII... i could't get over the grafix gap eather
yeah, you just miss the train on somethings. I guy I know loved Warcraft 3. so he wanted to get more and bought Warecraft 2. he hated himself for a week.

[Epix]

HD video comparison of B/C resolution due to the 1.5 update: Courtesy of gametrailers - http://www.gametrailers.com/player.p...e=wmv&id=16541

[Garfunkel]

yeah, you just miss the train on somethings. I guy I know loved Warcraft 3. so he wanted to get more and bought Warecraft 2. he hated himself for a week.

this is the sole reason why i find it hard to play 80's games, like mario and stuff. just can't stand the eye gouging.

[venomv]

Yeah, it's weird, if you played a game when it came out, it is easy to go back, but when you didn't it is sometimes hard to get past the dated feeling (it isn't just graphics, depending on genre, a lot of games play tons worse then similar games now), the biggest exception for me is Suikoden II, absolutely great game, played it for the first time last year.

[woundingchaney]

Hiding, it seems? :look:

I dont understand??

[curryking1]

Man, for games like FF VII thru XII, the graphics don't bother me at all. I love the games more than anything could ever stop me from playing them all the time. I just played FF VIII, IX, and Chrono Cross for like an hour today lol.

I even played Chrono Trigger only a year ago lol, admittedly, it was with 4xAA and stuff on my PC, but still, I played it. Damn amazing story and gameplay, and that was on the SNES! How did they make an SNES game so full of amazing stuff!

I can still understand your beefs though.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

I find it's also easy to enjoy games that you did play back in the day. so nostalgia has a little to do with it.

[OmniCloud]

Sony needs to hurry and put Chrono Cross on PS store. Any1 else's copy died out on them?

[Garfunkel]

i wish they would hurry up and put crash bandicoot 3 on, i loved that game, or GT2. :D

[Applefiend]

Weren't they supposed to be delivering playable downloadable PS1 on PS3 by now. Hmmmm.... :(

March now I guess.

[Domination]

I dont understand??

Haven't seen you around here in awhile. :)

[adam2407]

Thanks for the new firmware udpdate Sony ^^
Now I can use the Edy Card instead of credit card (don,t have one) for shopping in PS Store.
Just bought (and download) Tekken 5 DR. Awesome graphic!!.

[OmniCloud]

Does anyone feel intimated or unsafe by using there credit card on the PS store?

[LaLiLuLeLo]

What is this Edy card, how does it work, where is it in the XMB and where can I buy one?

[curryking1]

Sony needs to hurry and put Chrono Cross on PS store. Any1 else's copy died out on them?

I could tell you where to get ISOs for the meantime while you wait, play them on your PC... but I'm not sure you want me to or I am allowed on the public fora lol.

I know, it goes against the morals between a business and a consumer, but... lol. Every PS1 game being available to me.... I can't say no......

[OmniCloud]

I use Linux...is that OK? Anyway...PM me...quickly!

[curryking1]

For linux you need an emu that plays on Linux. I think some of them do, so I guess you want to play it on your PS3 as well? I'd say that's possible.

I dunno how well it would run though ahhaha, I've never read anything or tried it myself.

[Leedogg]

Does anyone feel intimated or unsafe by using there credit card on the PS store?


I agree with you, I'm waiting on the Prepaid Playstation Cards before buying anything on the store.

I talked to an employee at EB games, and he said he doesn't know when they will be out.

[LaLiLuLeLo]

Again, what is the Edy card thing I heard about?

[Nameless]

^I think it's a Japan thing and not available in the states...

[LaLiLuLeLo]

That must be the case. C'mon Sony with the Prepaid cards.

[venomv]

There is nothing illegal or immoral (to me anyway) in using ISO's, provided you own the game, wether it is still functional or not, you bought the right to play the game.

But this isn't the place for that, I'll message you where I go for my PS1 ISO's, Omni.

[curryking1]

Yes, I have download ISOs of games I do own that weren't with me, but I must admit I have downloaded many games I have not purchased, just to be clear for why I said that.

Anyways, back to B/C talking and not how I am cheating the system lol!

[cliffbo]

Sony Corporation
Sony Finance International, Inc.
NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
The Sakura Bank, Limited
Sakura Information Systems Co., Ltd.
The Japan Research Institute, Limited
TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
DENSO CORPORATION
DDI CORPORATION
The Sanwa Bank, Limited
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Limited

(Tokyo, Japan) The above eleven companies today announced a joint venture to start a Prepaid Electronic Money Service called "Edy" for the Japanese domestic market. The joint venture company will be established in January 2001, and full-scale service is due to start in October 2001.

The Edy service will realize quick and easy means to make payments for goods and services through the use of an Edy card (a non-contact IC card developed by Sony under the name "FeliCa"). Payments can be made quickly and safely by simply placing the Edy card near terminals installed at retail outlets and personal computers. The use of an IC card also offers high level of security, as an IC card is extremely difficult to duplicate or falsify. Also, the Edy card can be used repeatedly by depositing money through terminals at convenience stores or through personal computers. Additionally, issuers of the Edy card can take advantage of the large memory capacity to add services other than the Edy service to offer multiple services for the users through a single card. In the future, the new company will consider the possibility to add money-depositing capability through mobile terminals as well.

[Business description of the New Company]
The new company possesses the right to sign a merchant contract (acquirer's right) to solicit real outlets (outlets and vending machines of convenience stores, fast-food restaurants, etc.) and cyber outlets (Internet e-commerce sites). The new company will grant the right to issue Edy cards to the eleven contributing companies, and will work to solicit other companies to issue the Edy card as well. Additionally, the new company will establish an infrastructure base of money depositing terminals and promote the widespread use of personal terminals with card reader/writer capabilities.

Prior to the beginning of full-scale service, an experimental service will be offered where users can shop and deposit money at participating am/pm convenience stores. After a user receives an Edy card from Sakura Bank, money deposits can be made at either am/pm convenience stores or at Sakura Bank's ATM machines, at which time the Edy card can be used to make payments at the participating am/pm stores. An experimental service over the Internet is under consideration.

The new company will now work to establish a user base of 30 million cards, 25,000 real outlets, 30,000 cyber outlets, 1 million vending machines and 15 million personal terminals within the next five years.

http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press_Archive/200012/00-1225E/image/photo0.jpg

Roles of the Companies:

Sony Group (Sony, Sony Finance)
-Provide technologies for the Edy card and related systems
-Develop, manufacture and market terminals with reader/writer capabilities.
NTT DoCoMo
-Promote the use of Edy card over the mobile environment.
Sakura Bank (Sakura/Sumitomo Bank affiliates: Sakura Information Systems, Japan Research Institute)
-Promote the use of Edy card over ATM machines and multimedia kiosks.
-Promote the use of Edy card at convenience stores.
-Promote other services in connection with the Edy.
Toyota
-Promote the use of Edy card to make payments for various automobile uses.
Denso
-Develop, manufacture and market reader/writers.
KDDI
-Promote the use of Edy card in a network/mobile environment.
Sanwa Bank
-Promote the use of Edy card over ATM machines and multimedia kiosks.
-Promote the use of Edy card at convenience stores.
Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi
-Promote the use of Edy card over ATM machines and multimedia kiosks.
-Promote the use of Edy card at convenience stores.

[game designer]

Looks good, but I'll be more impressed when multitasking downloads can happen.

GD

[Z]

Again, what is the Edy card thing I heard about?
basically, it is a pre-paid card you buy for around $30. I don't know if it comes charged with any amount or not, but the thing is, you can re-charge the card from a store. so instead of buying a new pre-paid card everytime, you can keep re-charging this one.

another thing that can use the cable that Edy uses on PS3 is being able to pay via cell phone. I think that option isn't yet avaialbe on PS3, but it will soon be.

these paying methods are normal in Japan and Korea. the rest of us have to wait for their tech to get old before we get our turn...

[hyabusha]

The B/C update helped nicely, now all I need It 1080p Upscaling. :)

[curryking1]

No to upscaling! Software rendering @ 1080p! :D

[OmniCloud]

Multitasking and Custom Soundtracks Sony!! That's all we need!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[curryking1]

But.. but... my software rendering.... :(

[Epix]

You know what I've been thinking would be a cool addition, file sharing through PSN. Basically the ability to send messages with attachments to the people on you friends list. Things like save game files and images. Also, it would be cool if we could take screen captures of our games while we're playing via the SIXAXIS controller and then send them to the people on you friends list. Whadaya guys think? Cmon, Sony!

[Nameless]

^ We may see things like this with GT5 and other titles...
I'm sure GT5 will have a feature that allows you to send your replays to friends. It's possible now with the demo, but not via the PSN, you have to move the files off the PS3 and send them to your friends who can then load the file and view on their PS3. If anyone is interested in sending GTHD replays I can walk you through the process... I think evenutally this functionality will be part of the PSN peace.

[frosty]

Don't worry Curry, they have to implament software rendering soon. Don't forget their plans to move to 65nm and do away with EE+GS alltogether. Once this happens, in order for BC to work, they will have to software emulate, which will then enable them to upscale the games as well as adding things like AA and AF, which should make games like shadow of the collosus and GTA:SA look REALLY good. Maybe San Andreas will finally look as good as it does on my PC.

[Z]

No to upscaling! Software rendering @ 1080p! :D
we want 1080p upscaling for b/c games and for the games that don't support it natively. ;)
but I fear that such an upscaler will make devs more reluctant to do native 1080p. and I don't want that. okay, I change my mind. "No to upscaling! Software rendering @ 1080p!" me too!
Multitasking and Custom Soundtracks Sony!! That's all we need!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been waiting for that since day one...

[OmniCloud]

I got my router working last week and I just went on Live...Sony definitely needs multitasking and they need it quickly. It makes downloading stuff while listening to music and going back to your games SOOOO much better.

but anyway, for the PS3 users here,

what does the PS store look like currently?
can you do ANYTHING while downloading files?
Are there movie trailers and non-gaming stuff on the store yet?
Does the PS3 recognize data CD's? Or are usb HDD or SD cards the best way to get media on your PS3?
Can PS3 run Ubuntu?

Tks in advance fellas...

Edit:figure I should ask this question hear as well...

[LaLiLuLeLo]

hey omni cloud, I'll be succint.

Pretty simple and straight forward.
nope.
yeah there's a bunch of movie trailers (BD and theatrical) there's also the first downloadable game content, costumes for genji 2.
yes it does recognize data cds.
no idea wtf ubuntu is.

[frosty]

a flavor of Linux, and I do believe there is something out there, or at least in the works.