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More Info on PS3 Backwards Compatbility and Firmware 1.6

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by RC Cola, Mar 20, 2007.

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RC Cola Member

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http://threespeech.com/blog/?p=346

It seems that Sony really have been striving to make up for all the love lost with early compatibility fears. Whilst standing by their original comments that backwards compatibility will not be the focus going forward, the early launch of its compatibility site reveals that 1,782 of the 2,451 PS2 titles (in the SCEE region) available will work on your PS3.

The 1.6 firmware upgrade to be released at midnight on March 22 has now been finalised, and the number of games listed is the number that will be available to those owners who upgrade their system software after March 23.

See press release below for details of the compatibility site and 1.60 Firmware upgrade:

European PLAYSTATION 3 Compatibility Site Launches Early

Firmware upgrade at launch to implement connectivity to Folding@home, background downloading and internet browser enhancements

London, 20 March 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today launched the web site that will allow prospective PLAYSTATION®3 owners to see which of their PlayStation®2 titles are playable on the new European PS 3 hardware model.

The web site at http://faq.eu.playstation.com/bc lists those titles from the portfolio of PS2 titles available in the SCEE PAL territories that are playable on PS3.

“Our engineers have been working overtime, and have succeeded in delivering a significant number of playable PS2 titles for the European launch”, said David Reeves, President of SCEE. “We will be adding additional titles to this list in future firmware upgrades, but as we have made clear before, in the future our resources will be increasingly focused on developing new services and entertainment features exclusively for PS3, rather than on delivering PS2 backwards compatibility.”

New owners of a European PS3 will need to install the latest firmware upgrade to play the PS2 titles listed on the web site. The upgrade will be available at launch from midnight on 22nd March through the PLAYSTATION®Network, from www.PlayStation.com or, for those unable to access the internet, on a disc obtained from local Customer Services.

The latest system software upgrade (Version 1.60) will deliver features such as Folding@home connectivity, background downloading of content from the PLAYSTATION®Store, support for Bluetooth® keyboards and mice, and an optional full QWERTY on-screen keyboard for text entry.

The Folding@home project allows PS3 owners to connect to Stanford University’s Folding@home program, a distributed computing project aimed at understanding protein folding, misfolding, and related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and many cancers. Using the power of the Cell Broadband Engine™, PS3 system can perform computer simulations for the Folding@home program ten times faster than your average home PC. Once PS3 system is updated to version 1.60, users can easily sign up to join the Folding@home program by clicking on the appropriate logo on the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) under the Network icon. Then, when the PS3 system is left on and reaches idle mode, it will automatically begin a simulation and, once completed, send information back to a central computer(*1). Additional details about Folding@home are available at http://www.scei.co.jp/folding/en/.

Firmware Version 1.60 also delivers a more convenient process for downloading content to the PS3 from the PLAYSTATION Store. Up to 6 pieces of content from the PlayStation store can be queued up for download while the user enjoys other functions of the PS3 system, including playing games, browsing the web, using media functions including photo browsing, video and music playback. Progress of downloads can be easily tracked under a new Download Management menu under the XMB’s Network icon(2).

Firmware 1.60 also provides support for keyboards and mice enabled with Bluetooth wireless technology. Text entry is further expanded with the option to use a full QWERTY on-screen keyboard, in addition to the existing single tap keyboard. PS3’s built-in Web browser is also enhanced with the ability to zoom in to the optimal viewing size for the selected area of a Web page at the press of a button, as well as an optional tool for reducing flicker when the PS3 system is using interlaced video out (480i or 1080i).

(*1) To run the application automatically in idle state, PS3 must be connected to the network with both main power switch and power button turned on. Option setting must also be changed as this automatic feature is off at default.

(*2) Please refer to http://eu.playstation.com/help-support/ps3 for full functionality as some limitations may apply. The speed of download depends on bandwidth and network usage.
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How did this go from being ~40% compatible to ~73% compatible in the matter of a few weeks? Not that I'm complaining...guess I feel much better going from 40% to 73% than 98% to 73%.

The BC page is up (thought it was going up after launch...guess they saw it was a bad idea):
http://faq.eu.playstation.com/bc/
Some good, some not so good. I might make a list of notable titles later on, when other people do the work for me.

BTW, not sure if I ever posted this (or if it is even official?):
http://www.psu.com/node/8983

Japanese and North American PS3 units will follow the changes in the European models announced last month. Starting this April or May, Sony will be shipping the revised PlayStation 3 version to Japan and North America.

This altered version loses the PlayStation 2 Emotion Engine, just like the new PlayStation 3s which will launch in Europe on March 23rd. All the emulation for PS2 titles will be done through software in the new PlayStation 3s.

On March 23rd, the PlayStation 3 in Europe will be able to play around 1,200 PlayStation 2 titles. Sony will update this number regularly through firmware updates.

A bonus for these revised PlayStation 3s is that they will be able to upscale selected PlayStation 1 and PlayStation 2 games to a 720p or 1080i resolution.

Sony has not released a finalised list of software-emulation compatible titles, but this should be available on March 23rd.
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This article is kind of old, but I don't recall hearing about when they would replace NA and JP PS3s elsewhere.

#1 RC Cola, Mar 20, 2007

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There were rumors of a March firmware upgrade that would enable the PS3 to decode DTS HD-MA tracks, so this news is underwhelming to say the least.

DVD upconversion wouldn't be a bad upgrade either. Although at least I have my HD-DVD player for that.

#2 count_dough-ku, Mar 20, 2007
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count_dough-ku said:

There were rumors of a March firmware upgrade that would enable the PS3 to decode DTS HD-MA tracks, so this news is underwhelming to say the least.

DVD upconversion wouldn't be a bad upgrade either. Although at least I have my HD-DVD player for that.
Click to expand...

2.0 is where all the crazy goods will show. When that is we will never know...

#3 Ziggy, Mar 20, 2007
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I don't think that includes all the details about 1.6, but it includes the major stuff. The other stuff includes the PS3 reading BD-RE discs, a disc auto-start option, and the ability to access the PSP with local wireless connection (think this just gives the 20GB PS3 the same functionality the 60GB has already had).

#4 RC Cola, Mar 20, 2007
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Nice. Good to see that they were able to get a lot of improvement on the BC. You're right, RC; that is an odd jump.

#5 Coach AI, Mar 20, 2007
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Ziggy said:

2.0 is where all the crazy goods will show. When that is we will never know...
Click to expand...

Of course, we wouldn't even need DTS HD-MA decoding if Fox would just switch over to PCM or Dolby TrueHD(which the PS3 already decodes).

This is yet another reason Fox is by far the worst studio supporting Blu-ray right now.

#6 count_dough-ku, Mar 20, 2007
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Rokkit said:

Nice. Good to see that they were able to get a lot of improvement on the BC. You're right, RC; that is an odd jump.
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I suppose they could have used different terms to describe the BC. Looking at the list, a lot of titles either have minor issues or "noticeable" issues. Perhaps 40% have no issues, and the extra ~33% have minor/"noticeable" issues (or maybe 40% have no/minor issues?). That might be an easy way to add to the percentage. I know that if you are able to improve emulation, you can add a bunch of titles, but I wouldn't think it would be like this.

There are some major games that aren't on the list or they have some issues (MGS2, FFXII, FFX, Jak and Daxter, GT4, Ratchet, Okami, SH, DMC2 hehe, etc.), so this is far from being an ideal solution (unless Sony's definition of "noticeable" issues are different than mine).

At least Barbie Horse Adventures is fine.

#7 RC Cola, Mar 20, 2007

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Uh-oh:
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158104

Sony Won't Focus on Updating 'Old' PS2 Games
'Our focus is on innovative new applications and services for PS3.'

When Sony revealed they were shifting to software emulation for backward compatibility, gamers were wary how many games they'd truly have up and running in time for the European launch, based on past experience with Microsoft and Xbox 360. When they launched their database website this morning declaring which games were and weren't compatible and many favorites were, most were relieved.

But, as 1UP pointed out, a number of high-profile games aren't compatible. Metal Gear Solid 3, for example, will run on software emulation, but Metal Gear Solid 2 won't. Will that change? Probably not, says Sony. "We are pleased with the number we have been able to make playable for the European launch, but as we have made clear before, our focus going forward will be on innovative new applications and services for PS3 rather than on backwards compatibility," said Nick Sharples, director of corporate communications at SCEE.

"We will test all forthcoming PS2 titles, but it would be unrealistic to expect significant increases [our emphasis] in the number of playable PS2 titles in future firmware upgrades given the above. Whilst J&D and MGS are not listed as playable, their successors MGS3 and Jak and Daxter 2 are playable," Sharples continued.

Sharples wouldn't provide a firm answer on whether games like MGS2 would be emulated in the future, but his answer doesn't provide much promise. Instead, he suggests looking at the sequels as replacements of sorts. "We will certainly be testing our own future PS2 releases and will offer the facility to our publishing partners," he said, but once again reiterated the focus going forward was on PS3, not the past.

As with Xbox 360 backward compatibility, however, gamers may be able to make a difference -- we saw this with Psychonauts (though, sadly, not with Panzer Dragoon Orta -- tear). If you want MGS2 or other currently incompatible games to start functioning on a shiny new PS3, start shouting.
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#8 RC Cola, Mar 20, 2007
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I guess I'll see if I can get an answer here:

My TV at school doesn't have an HDMI outlet, so I use the cables that came with the PS3. Over spring break I brought the PS3 home and hooked it into my tv there via HDMI. Problem was, all I heard was the sound. I finally figured it out - I had to plug in the cables it came with and switch it to HDMI so I could see picture on it. Now when I brought it back, I forgot to switch it back to the cables setting, so when I plug it in my tv I get no picture. (Because I assume its still on the HDMI setting.) I have no way of switching it back that I know of, save driving all the way back home and switching it via the HDMI tv. Anyone know a way around this?

#9 LongTimeFan, Mar 20, 2007
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rc....out of curiosity

do you think that ps3 will come standard with the vibrating remote?

#10 pradaxpimp, Mar 20, 2007
RC Cola Member

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Probably. No telling when though. It would be nice if they at least released the controller by the end of the year.

#11 RC Cola, Mar 20, 2007
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RC Cola said:

Probably. No telling when though. It would be nice if they at least released the controller by the end of the year.
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Yeah, I wonder if they'll do it as a marketing ploy or not so much a ploy but it might help their sales a bit.

Feature. That's the word i was looking for.

#12 pradaxpimp, Mar 20, 2007
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LongTimeFan said:

I guess I'll see if I can get an answer here:

My TV at school doesn't have an HDMI outlet, so I use the cables that came with the PS3. Over spring break I brought the PS3 home and hooked it into my tv there via HDMI. Problem was, all I heard was the sound. I finally figured it out - I had to plug in the cables it came with and switch it to HDMI so I could see picture on it. Now when I brought it back, I forgot to switch it back to the cables setting, so when I plug it in my tv I get no picture. (Because I assume its still on the HDMI setting.) I have no way of switching it back that I know of, save driving all the way back home and switching it via the HDMI tv. Anyone know a way around this?
Click to expand...

someone pissed on the cords dude.

#13 pradaxpimp, Mar 20, 2007

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wrong topic, i know, but how about the older Xbox titles and 360's backwards compatibility with them? i have a sh1tload of NBA and NFL games (among others), and they're apparently not compatible yet.

#14 AggieDentist, Mar 20, 2007
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LongTimeFan said:

I have no way of switching it back that I know of, save driving all the way back home and switching it via the HDMI tv. Anyone know a way around this?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, I know how to do this..Here's what you do...

Put Finger over green light until it turns red
Turn power switch off on the back: Wait 3 seconds
Turn power switch on: Second Beep release finger
This will set it to default settings

btw, I'm about to switch out my PS3...I kept on getting a green screen on resistence and br movies...

#15 rrj_gamz, Mar 20, 2007
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Some minor updates from people in Europe testing BC:
http://palgn.com.au/article.php?id=7053&rss=1&title=PlayStation+3+backwards+compatibility+test
http://www.back-catalog.net/features/european-ps3-enchilada/

It seems that "noticeable" means definitely playable, but with...um...noticeable issues.

Some of the FMV scenes have weird bugs (flicker or out-of-sync audio, things like that), or there may be some weird graphical glitches. Games like GTA:SA, the 3 FF games (IIRC), KH, Jak, etc., that have "noticeable" issues according to Sony apparently play fine, outside of a few glitches as mentioned. There are major glitches in Shadow the Hedgehog, but that's not Sony's fault.

I was kind of hoping that games not listed may just be games Sony didn't test, but all the games that have been tested that weren't on the list don't work at all (and this includes GT4 and R&C3).

#16 RC Cola, Mar 24, 2007
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Ziggy said:

2.0 is where all the crazy goods will show. When that is we will never know...
Click to expand...

what are they supposed to be?

#17 ubigred, Mar 24, 2007
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i miss my ps3 it broke on me, sony sending me another one but i got like 10 business day wait.

#18 couple of d's, Mar 24, 2007

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man im glad i got a US one. emulation doesnt cut it true hardware is the bomb. anyways, i had a craving for some old ps2 games the other day, and at first i was like "**** i sold my ****ing ps2 (to pay for the ps3 lol)" and then i realized wait... ps3's can play ps2 games. so now im off to gamestop to buy some used metal gear solid woohoo

#19 stevesazninvazn, Mar 24, 2007
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It's too bad they're doing halfassed emulation. Heck...the 360 found some ways to improve the graphics of older titles. The Xbox had 2/3 less titles than the PS2, but it doesn't sound like Sony planned their launch strategy thorough enough. They should work to give 90% compatibility as a gesture to their fans.

#20 Invisible Fan, Mar 24, 2007

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