Earlier this week, DivX announced they would soon be offering support for the Sony Playstation 3 games console.
The codec technology will be added to all existing PS3 consoles by way of a forthcoming software update, although no date has yet been given for when to expect it.
Up until now, the PS3 has been woeful at supporting multiple video formats, with Sony making the ridiculous decision to ship with just MP4 support, a niche format at best.
Press Statement
Kevin Hell, CEO of DivX, Inc. announced in a statement:
“We are excited to work with Sony Computer Entertainment to bring DivX to PS3. 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.”
The PS3 Media Hub
“Expand the multimedia functionality of PS3” is exactly right. This, more than anything to date is helping take the Playstation 3 out of the realm of being a mere games console, and more in to media hub sitting in people’s living rooms.
The PS3 is already one of the cheapest Blu ray players this side of Japan, and this increase in video playing options just adds to its status as a must have gadget for all the technophiles out there.
The news that PS3 owners will now be able to watch DivX formatted videos will bring joy to the ears of every Sony and PS3 fanboy, but there is also a darker element to it all that we can’t avoid mentioning.
PS3 Piracy?
DivX is one of the formats of choice for video pirates. That’s not controversial, just a fact based on it’s standing as the chosen standard for video encoding and compression.
This deal to bring DivX on to the PS3 could then potentially allow users access to the “broad library of content” on pirates computers, as well as everyone else’s.
Xbox 360 To Follow Suit?
So content providers and studios might not be very happy with this news, and Microsoft will probably join them in that dissatisfaction.
There have been numerous yet unsubstantiated rumours of a deal between the two companies for months. Xbox 360 owners have been crying out for their console of choice to get native DivX support, but it seems it’s not to be… yet.
This week has been a busy one for DivX, who also announced the acquisition of MainConcept AG, “a leading provider of H.264 and other high-quality video technologies” in a press statement on Wednesday.
