PS3 one ups Xbox 360 with its DivX support
By Danny Mendez
We all know the Xbox 360 supports DivX nowadays. We told you it was coming, and it came. Now the PS3 is supposed to get DivX support, although Sony has better plans for the popular video format.
Last month, DivX announced that the PS3 will soon support DivX, and, this month, Gizmodo met with the company, which shared some interesting details on the big move.
First of all, unlike the Xbox 360, the PS3 is DivX certified. While Microsoft’s console can only playback some DivX files, the PS3 will get full DivX functionality. This includes the ability for game developers to use the very efficient compression format for in-game cut-scenes.
This means DivX video cut scenes will reduce stress on the machine, theoretically allowing for better load times, less power consumption, and less heat output.
It is unknown exactly when the firmware update will hit the PS3, but it should be “soon.” Also, if you’re in the need for a DivX encoder, DivX Pro is currently free ($20 normally) for now.
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December 13th, 2007
I hardly call it a One Up…Personally, I was surprised that Sony, being a major film studio, is behind the DivX format.
The lengths companies will go to win the console wars…and guess who wins out in the end?
That’s right. The consumer.
December 13th, 2007
“This means DivX video cut scenes will reduce stress on the machine, theoretically allowing for better load times, less power consumption, and less heat output.”
Other than running the BlueRay Drive for less time that with a standard video file (hence the drive motor may be off for longer periods of time) I am not sure that using Divx will help with power consumption and heat output. I suspect it will actually increase since the decompression of the files will require more CPU time than if the file is uncompressed. It may be a wash since the file loads faster but uses more CPU to decode. Load times however could see a significant speed increase…
December 14th, 2007
Aaron I think you’re right on the decompression/more power required.
But maybe it will be less that decompressing an MPEG4 video. who knows?
but for sure this Divx support will allow sony to squeeze more video into a blue ray disc which is good.
December 14th, 2007
Aaron I think you’re right on the decompression/more power required.
But maybe it will be less than decompressing an MPEG4 video. who knows?
but for sure this Divx support will allow sony to squeeze more video into a blue ray disc which is good.
December 14th, 2007
That’s right brah, another thing the PS3 does better…..Fucking xbox sucks…weaksauce brah!!!
December 14th, 2007
‘The length they will go to, to win the console war’. Pffft adding DIVX to the PS3 is hardly gonna help them win. It was just somthing we wanted and it was something that made complete sense to have, seeing the PS3 is also a media center.
December 14th, 2007
“While Microsoft’s console can only playback some DivX files, the PS3 will get full DivX functionality.”
Yes, it can only play Divx & Xvid files (.avi & .divx), what a piece of crap.
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“This includes the ability for game developers to use the very efficient compression format for in-game cut-scenes.”
Source?
The 360 already had WMV, why would they need an inferior codec to encode cutscenes with?
December 14th, 2007
WTF? Where do they find you guys? What does “XBOX360 will not play all DivX files?”, mean?
It either implements the MPEG-4 standard or it doesn’t.
“this includes the ability for game developers to use the very efficient compression format for in-game cut-scenes”
WTF? (again). We are in the Blu-ray age and the game developers will use DivX video? You tell me that I pay $60 (or 60 euros) for a game that features the age-old DivX? What happened to H264 (MPEG-4 AVC) that PS3 supports already? (due to BluRay)?
DivX? Great, Sony, great. Lot of trouble you went through. I mean, for us. Thanks. How about supporting those MKV open-source containers to let PS3 be really the multimedia system you claim about? Instead, you support only the crappy proprietary MP4.
OK. Divx. Where the frak is it? I’ve been hearing all about it a month now.
I’m not an XBOX fanatic; on the contrary. But let’s be fair. And realistic… Starting from you.
December 14th, 2007
MKV support would turn the PS3 into an great HD multimedia player and make me buy one. Maybe even two.
December 15th, 2007
“Not yet….. not yet….. coming soon…. wait and see.. not yet” that’s all I hear about anything that has to do with the PS3. Games, updates, you name it. I can’t believe so many people are holding their breath for this thing and are still not disappointed with the results. Keep on holding your breath and crossing your fingers… I’m having fun in the now with my 360 and wii.
December 15th, 2007
How can this be a “1up?” 360 has DivX support NOW. The PS3 doesn’t…
December 15th, 2007
full functionality means :
plays all multimedia format
December 15th, 2007
full functionality means :
plays all multimedia format not just “avi or divx”