Sony Adding Blu-ray Profile 2.0 to PS3

Via a firmware update scheduled for release later this month, Sony is adding support for Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0, also known as BD-LIVE, and is also adding the ability for consumers to move music and photo playlists from PS3 to Sony's PSP (Playstation Portable) devices.

"With Blu-ray established as the high-definition optical disc standard, more consumers are ready to jump in and take advantage of everything the format offers," said Scott Steinberg, vice president of product marketing for SCEA, in a statement.

Movie studios that embed Blu-ray Profile 2.0 features into their high-definition titles open the door for consumers to access special, sometimes exclusive, content, including bonus scenes, video shorts and trailers, ringtones or even interactive movie-based games that can be played live online.

Along with the PS3 update, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment said it will release two BD-LIVE enabled titles on April 8: Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, starring John C. Reilly, and The 6th Day with Arnold Schwarzenegger, both of which will include exclusive downloadable content not available on the discs.

Users will need an Internet connection and at least 1 Gbyte of local storage to tap into BD-LIVE features, Sony said.