PlayStation 3 to Get DivX Support

Media downloaders rejoice: the PlayStation 3 will finally play your videos thanks to upcoming DivX support.

Sony’s PlayStation 3 may be able to play hi-def video off of Blu-Ray discs, but up until now it hasn’t been able to handle one of the most popular formats for downloaded and homebrew video, DivX. That will change when the device finally gets DivX certification, which is in the works.

According to DivX, Inc., the platform is currently up for certification now and should get it “in the near future.” New PS3s should ship with DivX capability, while current PS3 owners will be able to enable it with a software upgrade to be released. Developers will also be able to make use of DivX encoding in their games using the 2.0 version of the PS3 Software Development Kit, which was just released on Nov. 2.

“We are excited to work with Sony Computer Entertainment to bring DivX to PS3,” said Kevin Hell, CEO of DivX, in a statement. “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.” Giving DivX certification to the PS3 will also boost the number of DivX-certified devices on the streets, of which there are already 100 million.