Sony Computer Entertainment of America has today announced a new firmware update for the PlayStation 3, highlighted by an upgrade to the console's Blu-ray 1080p playback capabilities over HDMI.

Dubbed Version 1.90, the most significant enhancement for Blu-ray fans is the new 24Hz output setting for viewing of 1080p content over HDMI. Previously, the PS3 had trouble recognizing some displays capable of 1080p playback at 24Hz, and thus auto-default to output at 1080p and 60Hz. Now, the PS3 can provide "forced 24Hz" playback over HDMI as defined by the user.

Other notable features of V1.90 include CD audio output up to 44.1/88.2/176.4kHz, the ability to change video output settings in real-time during game playback, custom bookmarks and the ability to eject a disc from the console's main main (previously only available via a dedicated button on the remote control).

Special Thanks to High-Def Digest for this story!