PlayStation 3 to Get DivX Support

Media downloaders rejoice: the PlayStation 3 will finally play your videos thanks to upcoming DivX support.

Sony’s PlayStation 3 may be able to play hi-def video off of Blu-Ray discs, but up until now it hasn’t been able to handle one of the most popular formats for downloaded and homebrew video, DivX. That will change when the device finally gets DivX certification, which is in the works.

According to DivX, Inc., the platform is currently up for certification now and should get it “in the near future.” New PS3s should ship with DivX capability, while current PS3 owners will be able to enable it with a software upgrade to be released. Developers will also be able to make use of DivX encoding in their games using the 2.0 version of the PS3 Software Development Kit, which was just released on Nov. 2.

“We are excited to work with Sony Computer Entertainment to bring DivX to PS3,” said Kevin Hell, CEO of DivX, in a statement. “Our technology will expand the multimedia functionality of PS3 by enabling users to enjoy access to the broad library of content in the DivX digital media format.” Giving DivX certification to the PS3 will also boost the number of DivX-certified devices on the streets, of which there are already 100 million.

source: PlayStation 3 to Get DivX Support - Home Video News - Digital Trends

wow this may be a reason to get a ps3

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Originally Posted by j.o.s.h.1408

wow this may be a reason to get a ps3

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That was sarcasm, right?

it ALL depends on the container support - and how strict sony are with which codecs belong in which containers

for example, the ps3 supports the mpeg2-ts container, and it supports the ac3 audio codec, but won't play ac3 in mpeg2-ts

if it only plays mpeg4 part 2 video that's in the dodgy .divx container, a lot of people will be pissed

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Originally Posted by kalniel

That was sarcasm, right?

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If it's a great upscaling DVD player which can also play DivX from CD or DVD or directly from USB drive or SD card, then that would justify £50 of the asking price for me. :) PS2 compatibility on the 60GB model would be another £50 (for me). 60 giggers are £299 at ShopTo.net, and that's £100 of the price justified already. Ratchet & Clank and f@h aren't worth £230 to me, though (would need to pay for R&C, see), but we're getting somewhere!

Has it been mentioned at Hexus that the Wii is dropping mp3 support? Not sure how this will affect games which allow mp3 soundtracks, like Endless Ocean (but apart from that, I doubt anyone will be affected by this :P).

I never knew the Wii had hardware decoders for MP3 in the first place :o I presume it'll just be done in software like it is for most systems.

Nonono, I think they're entirely removing MP3 playing! Moving to AAC or some such.

Kotaku newsage.

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Originally Posted by Nintendo

Additionally, you can now choose to have the songs play back in a random order.

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Heh, this must be the Wii Firmware Update 2.00! :P (linkage) - I wonder if it will only affect the Photo Channel? Assume for the worst and hope for the best!

good news :)

Oh I see - it's part of the photo channel, not music playback in games :) (which will have their own license and decoders as part of the game).

Would still be better if they could just concentrate on making some decent games for the thing!