PS3 Plays XviD, But With A Catch

We knew the most recent PS3 2.1 firmware update would bring DivX, but Sony made no guarantees about the just as popular (if not more popular) XviD codec. However, since the update has disseminated to the masses, we've discovered that XviD works, too. That's great news for PS3 owners, but there's just one catch you should know about.

While DivX movies can be played from a DVD or USB storage on the PS3 just fine, for whatever reason, XviD files need to be copied to the PS3 hard drive to play. It's a small technicality, but it's the sort of technicality that will save you 30 minutes of pulling your hair out and a lifetime of regret from losing that 30 minutes.

UPDATE: Gizmodo has since updated their post, but apparently people are having different levels of success streaming XviD. Also, third party programs seem to simplify the experience.

PlayStation 3 XviD Playback Update: It Works, But Not Over the Network [gizmodo]

PS3 DivX, Blu-Ray 1.1, Voice Changing With 2.10 Tomorrow

Over on the UK PlayStation site they've laid out the details on firmware 2.10, which should be releasing tomorrow according to the date listed with the article. Among the interesting new features is a voice changer, with the power to make you sound like a person using a voice changer with five presets over hi and low tones. Other features include a new music bitmapping process specifically designed for the PS3 to provide enhanced audio playback, support for Blu-ray disc profile 1.1 for picture-in-picture goodness, and the long-awaited support for DivX and WMV playback. DivX playback is limited to non-copyrighted material under 2GB, and DivX 3.11 and earlier encoding is not supported. Unfortunately XviD is still not supported, which means that people with a large number of anime fansubs (not naming any names here) will have to stick to computer viewing for the time being. *sigh*
Update Features (ver. 2.10) [PlayStation UK]

Connect360 Now Brings DivX, Macs and 360s Together

I'm a big fan of my Xbox 360 and I'm a big fan of my Macbook Pro. But the two weren't really meant to...mate...if you know what I mean. Nullriver's Connect360 is a third party program that's been around for a while, solving problems of cross-species media compatibility and bringing Mac OS X media to the Xbox 360. And now Connect360 has been updated to support DivX and XviD formats. Also, contrary to popular believe, your Mac won't get "cooties" by interfacing with a Microsoft product.

Connect360 [via tuaw]

Xbox 360 DivX/XviD Tested, Approved

Our friends over at Gizmodo got up early this morning to put the Xbox 360's new DivX and XviD support through the paces. They confirmed that, yes, burned media plays back just fine without being copied to the hard drive. And the software supported every file they threw at it with ease. The only catch is that once in a while the aspect ratios get wonky—something that you see in all types of media products but proves annoying nonetheless. Still, they put the experience at "90% of the way there." And since much of the gaming industry never gives anything 100% anyway, that's basically a 95% or better.

Xbox 360 DivX/XviD Playback Tested (Verdict: It's Almost Perfect) [gizmodo]

DivX Confirms PS3 DivX Support

"We are excited to work with Sony Computer Entertainment to bring DivX to PS3," said Kevin Hell, CEO of DivX, Inc. "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."

Is Xbox 360 Getting DivX?

Hot on the heels of a PS3 DivX rumor, DivX has pretty much pilled the beans on upcoming support on the Xbox 360. Here's the clip from a routine financial earnings call that's set the rumor mill ablaze:

Coster - "Just a minor point here, but there was a recent Microsoft (MSFT) conference where I believe their media extender now incorporates the DivX codec on it, is that correct? Can you confirm that and does that mean we're soon going to see Xboxes with DivX on them?
Hell - "Yes! that, uh, we're in discussions with Microsoft on that at this point in time, so I can't go into any great detail on that. Um that is not a certified, that is not a certified or licensed product at this time."

DivX and Xbox 360: A Potential Win-Win For Everyone [via maxconsole]