Firmware?

[Cinemaddict]

Could someone explain exactly what Firmware is and how it works? Do they send it to you on a disc or what? And how do you get it? How often do you need it?

[Irishwiseguy2006]

It is like a "patch" of sorts. It is used to update current hardware to either run a new feature such as PIP (picture in picture) on certain blu-ray releases, or something that might need to be implemented in the future. Its like an "update" if you will. It will come on certain games for the PS3 that were made after the firmware, but most of them you go to the manufacturers website and download it to a thunb drive or USB drive and then plug it into the hardware to update it.

[elwaylite]

Firmware is the software side of the player. Many products update this way nowadays.

It allows them to address playback issues, tweak quality or add new features.

Generally you download the firmware from the manufacturer website, then burn it to a cdr and pop it in the player. It will update itself. They issue firmware as needed or as they tweak player performance.

Just think of it as windows update for a BD player.

[Tru 2 Blu]

Firmware is away to keep your system going properly. One way I've downloaded it was just taking the dsl cable from the back of your computer and hooked it up to the back of my player. Then I looked for the way on the player to update it, found it, and thats all I had to do. You can also goto the web site of the company that made the player and ask for a cd to update it. It takes longer but it still works. Lastly you can burn the firmware to a disc but you'll have to get to there web site so you can do that.

[flynho_PS3]

I concur what everyone has said here....in addition,...firmware is like your Operating System (OS) of your computer like Windows or Mac OS, to make your computer usuable and stable by downloading updates from a server or by means of storage media (ex. CD) you get from them.

[CAB]

Originally Posted by Cinemaddict

Could someone explain exactly what Firmware is and how it works? Do they send it to you on a disc or what? And how do you get it? How often do you need it?

What player do you have? Sony will send you a disk if you've registered and your player is under warranty or mainenance contract. I usually just download for friends and family and cut the upgrade CD.

[Cinemaddict]

I am planning on buying a 40GB PS3 pretty soon.

When I take it out of the box, will my PS3 be ready to go, or will I have to download updates first? (I'm just buying it for the Blu-Ray. I have no intention of playing any games)

[Tichols]

Originally Posted by Cinemaddict

I am planning on buying a 40GB PS3 pretty soon.

When I take it out of the box, will my PS3 be ready to go, or will I have to download updates first? (I'm just buying it for the Blu-Ray. I have no intention of playing any games)

You will most likely have to download some upgrades: unless if its straight outta the factory. The PS3 will tell you if new firmware is available, as soon as you turn it on and it has internet connection