PS3 Gains 3D Blu-ray Playback In Firmware Update Next Week

On Tuesday, September 21st the PlayStation 3 will receive a firmware update that adds support for 3D content on Blu-ray 3D discs. Sony announced the forthcoming release of Firmware 3.50 at the Tokyo Game Show today. Writing for the U.S. PlayStation blog, SCEA's Eric Lempel said: “We know that many consumers have purchased 3D TVs already and more of you will be purchasing them as the holidays approach – so we’re excited to offer this firmware update that makes all 38 million PS3s worldwide compatible with Blu-ray 3D discs.” The firmware update will include other features, but these will not be announced until the eve of the release on Monday. This new feature further expands the PS3’s 3D capabilities which were first introduced in the 3.30 firmware update released in April, allowing users to play stereoscopic 3D games. Future updates will also allow the PlayStation 3 to use 3D rendering capabilities for photos and playback of 3D YouTube videos and HDTV/DVR add on unit PlayTV's broadcasts, according to Sony.