Sony today confirmed that the PlayStation 3 firmware update v2.30, slated to release next week, will add DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio. This update will let PS3 owners finally take full advantage of one of the audio specialties of Blu-ray Disc movies.
DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio are studio-quality formats.
In addition to the new audio capabilities, the free system software update will let PS3 owners access the revamped PlayStation Store, as previously announced.
DTS-HD Master Audio is bit-for-bit identical to the original studio master. DTS-HD Master Audio has the capacity to deliver audio at the incredibly high variable rate of 24.5 mega-bits per second (Mbps) on Blu-ray Disc, a rate significantly higher than standard DVDs. DTS-HD Master Audio also offers 7.1 audio channels at 96k sampling frequency/24 bit depths.
More than 100 Blu-ray movies and concert videos featuring premium DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks are available. (Editor’s Note: Remember to get in on Amazon’s buy two get one free Blu-ray deal — which includes pre-orders.)
Additionally, the DTS-HD High Resolution Audio codec allows content creators to deliver uncompromised audio on Blu-ray while requiring less disc space than DTS-HD Master Audio. DTS-HD High Resolution Audio streams audio at a high constant bit rate of 6.0 Mbps on Blu-ray discs and is also capable of up to 7.1 audio channels at 96k sampling frequency/24 bit depth resolution.
As mentioned, the latest PS3 system software update will also let users access the new, more dynamic interface and enhanced navigation of the PlayStation Store. As part of a revamp, the PlayStation Store will transition from an integrated online storefront to an application that “lives” natively on the PS3, enabling customers to more easily and quickly locate and purchase games, and download demos, game videos, Blu-ray movie trailers and other game-related content for PS3.
