Sony released yesterday a new firmware (1.3) update for the PlayStation 3 console adding four important new features: (1) the ability to register the BD remote control, select the video output format to use when outputting video content from a Blu-ray Disc using an HDMI cable (automatic, RGB, or Y Pb/Cb Pr/Cr), (2) a new Backup Utility that allows to backup or restore the PS3 hard drive to media storage devices like MemoryStick, SD card, or USB flash drives, (3) a new hard disk format method (Full or Quick Format), and finally (4) a new method for selecting the output resolution (1080p > 1080i > 720p > 480p > Standard NTSC).

You can update your PS3 firmware through the System Update Feature in the console, or you can also download the file (98MB) to your computer and use a storage device to transfer it. Also newer games are expected to have this update included on the disc.