Foster City, Calif. — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) is adding DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio surround sound support to its PlayStation3 (PS3) video game console via a firmware update to be made available next week, the company said Thursday.
The two multichannel surround-sound formats are carried in some Blu-ray Disc movie releases, and is said to offer “studio-quality, high-definition” sound.
In addition to the new audio capabilities, the free system software update (v. 2.30) will allow PS3 owners to access the revamped PlayStation Store.
DTS-HD Master Audio is noted for its pure, high-quality bit-for-bit sound. DTS-HD Master Audio has the capacity to deliver audio at a variable rate of 24.5Mbps on a Blu-ray disc.
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 said to be currently available.
The DTS-HD High Resolution Audio codec allows content creators to deliver uncompromised, high-definition 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.
In adding access to the new interface of the PlayStation Store, the update will enable viewers easier navigation of PlayStation online offerings. As part of a revamp, the PlayStation Store will transition from an integrated online storefront to an application residing on the PS3.
Sony said this will allow 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.
