PlayStation 3 picks up DivX video support

DivX and Sony today announced that the PlayStation 3 will receive support for the DivX video format, giving owners of the console the ability to play the much-requested format without having to transcode videos or use network streaming software. The companies have yet to detail whether the PS3 will play movies at 1080p or with surround sound in the format but say the game system has been certified for "excellent" playback quality, according to the claim. DivX is accessible to developers integrating video into games as of the version 2.0 developer kit and should be playable by users in the normal media browser with an unspecified future update.

The upgrade places pressure on Microsoft, which is reportedly close to adding DivX for the Xbox 360 but is not known to have cemented a deal outside of an unintentional revelation by a DivX employee. Along with XviD, the format is often sought out by home theater enthusiasts hoping to watch many videos made available to download on the web (both official and otherwise) and is frequently seen as an obstacle to wider acceptance of the Apple TV, devices compatible with Microsoft's Media Center Extender feature, and other network media hubs.