XMB: Difference between revisions

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{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto"
|+ [http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/ XMB manuals.playstation.net]
|+ Read [http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/ manuals.playstation.net/document] and [http://us.playstation.com/support/manuals/ps3/index.htm us.playstation.com/support/manuals]
! {{icon category users}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/users/index.html Users] !! {{icon category settings}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/index.html Settings] !! {{icon category photo}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/photo/index.html Photo] !! {{icon category music}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/music/index.html Music] !! {{icon category video}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/video/index.html Video] !! {{icon category tv}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/tv/tvvideoservices.html TV/Video Services] !! {{icon category game}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/game/index.html Game] !! {{icon category network}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/network/index.html Network] !! {{icon category psn}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/psn/index.html PlayStation Network] !! {{icon category friends}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/friends/index.html Friends]
! {{icon category users}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/users/index.html Users] !! {{icon category settings}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/index.html Settings] !! {{icon category photo}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/photo/index.html Photo] !! {{icon category music}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/music/index.html Music] !! {{icon category video}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/video/index.html Video] !! {{icon category tv}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/tv/tvvideoservices.html TV/Video Services] !! {{icon category game}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/game/index.html Game] !! {{icon category network}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/network/index.html Network] !! {{icon category psn}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/psn/index.html PlayStation Network] !! {{icon category friends}}<BR />[http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/friends/index.html Friends]
|-
|-
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=Description=
=Description=
The Xross Media Bar (or [[XMB]]) is the graphical user interface for the PS3
The Xross Media Bar (pronounced "Cross Media Bar") (or [[XMB]]) is the graphical user interface for the PS3


The first Sony product with a XMB interface was the "Sony PSX" in 2003 (A hybrid of a PS2 + DVR player with recorder capabilityes only released in japan, see: [http://www.psx.sony.co.jp/ PSX sony.co.jp] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSX_%28DVR%29 Wikipedia PSX]), later was used by the PSP, then PS3 and some Bravia TV's
The first Sony product with a XMB interface was the "Sony PSX" in 2003 (A hybrid of a PS2 + DVR player with recorder capabilityes only released in japan, see: [http://www.psx.sony.co.jp/ PSX sony.co.jp] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSX_%28DVR%29 Wikipedia PSX]), later was used by the PSP, then PS3 and some Bravia TV's
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[[Emulation#PS2_System_Data_.28PSN_HDD_Tool_package.29 | PS2 Discs]]), and contents in [[PS3_DISC.SFB|PS3 Discs]], are "preloaded" by XMB using an small file (see: [[PARAM.SFO]]) this file is indexed in a database for efficiency purposes and fast access (see: [[XMB_database|XMB Database]]) and contains an identifyer that belongs to an specific XMB column (see: [[PARAM.SFO#CATEGORY|CATEGORY]])
[[Emulation#PS2_System_Data_.28PSN_HDD_Tool_package.29 | PS2 Discs]]), and contents in [[PS3_DISC.SFB|PS3 Discs]], are "preloaded" by XMB using an small file (see: [[PARAM.SFO]]) this file is indexed in a database for efficiency purposes and fast access (see: [[XMB_database|XMB Database]]) and contains an identifyer that belongs to an specific XMB column (see: [[PARAM.SFO#CATEGORY|CATEGORY]])


The dynamic wave on the background [[Themes_(.p3t)|theme]] are more condensed into a 'ribbon' rather than the PSP's large waves, unselected icons shrink slightly and every selectable background color has been made a shade darker.
The dynamic wave on the background [[PlayStation 3 Theme (P3T)|theme]] are more condensed into a 'ribbon' rather than the PSP's large waves, unselected icons shrink slightly and every selectable background color has been made a shade darker.


The PS3 includes the ability to store various master and secondary user profiles, manage and explore various photos format([[Talk:Content_Information_Files |.MPO since FW 3.70]]) with Photo Gallery or an ordinary musical/non-musical slideshow, rip audio CDs, rip iTunes AAC protected files, play and copy music and video files from the [[Harddrive| hard disk drive]], an optional USB mass storage or Flash card, or an optical disc ([[Bluray_Drive |Blu-ray Disc]] or DVD-Video).
The PS3 includes the ability to store various master and secondary user profiles, manage and explore various photos format([[Talk:Content_Information_Files |.MPO since FW 3.70]]) with Photo Gallery or an ordinary musical/non-musical slideshow, rip audio CDs, rip iTunes AAC protected files, play and copy music and video files from the [[Harddrive| hard disk drive]], an optional USB mass storage or Flash card, or an optical disc ([[Bluray_Drive |Blu-ray Disc]] or DVD-Video).
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The XMB by default changes its color depending on the current month of the year and brightness depending on the time of the day (only in original and classic [[Themes_(.p3t)|Themes]]). XMB color can be configured to "default" (changes every month) or one of the 12 color preconfigured for months, in XMB Settings column ---> Theme settings ---> Color
The XMB by default changes its color depending on the current month of the year and brightness depending on the time of the day (only in original and classic [[PlayStation 3 Theme (P3T)|Themes]]). XMB color can be configured to "default" (changes every month) or one of the 12 color preconfigured for months, in XMB Settings column ---> Theme settings ---> Color


This change of color affects background, waves, all the icons, and other images like the "side menu". The color is applyed to the originall images like a "color filter" layer over them (note originall icons are semitransparent white to improve this effect)
This change of color affects background, waves, all the icons, and other images like the "side menu". The color is applyed to the originall images like a "color filter" layer over them (note originall icons are semitransparent white to improve this effect)
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{{XMB brightness}}
{{XMB brightness}}


XMB can be configured to display the texts in several languages, this same language codes are used in contents that contains several languages availabes (like games, trophy installers, themes, etc...). The font can be configured to "original", "rounded", and "pop", see [[XMB Fonts]] page
=Virtual Shell (VSH)=
{{XMB languages}}
The [[VSH|Virtual Shell]] encapsulates the XMB interface. It is loaded at: '''/dev_flash/vsh/module/vsh.self'''


=XMB Layout Tables=
And has numerous modules and descriptor files. The VSH does not directly load the XMB interface, it loads support modules to do that instead. The modules directly responsible for the XMB interface are in '''/dev_flash/vsh/module/''' and include:
This files contains a list of numeric values that defines the positions, sizes, etc... of most/all the items displayed in XMB
explore_category_friend.sprx
explore_category_game.sprx
explore_category_music.sprx
explore_category_network.sprx
explore_category_photo.sprx
explore_category_psn.sprx
explore_category_sysconf.sprx
explore_category_tv.sprx
explore_category_user.sprx
explore_category_video.sprx


The files/filenames are divided in 4 resolution modes, most specifically his heigths: (272, 480, 720, and 1080), and 2 types: (factor, and grid).
explore_plugin.sprx
explore_plugin_ft.sprx
explore_plugin_game.sprx
explore_plugin_np.sprx


Factor ones continas around 143 values, and Grid ones contains around 4545 values (grid ones are much bigger)
== VSH Modules ==
All the .sprx files inside '''/dev_flash/vsh/module/'''. See: [[Plugin Interfaces]] page


As a reference for known pixel sizes... all the values of the [[Content Information Files]] images appears in one or more of the "XMB Layout Tables"
Those modules are responsible for processing the XMB descriptor files (.XML format) used to generate the XMB interface. All of the above modules except for "'''explore_plugin_game.sprx'''" and "'''explore_plugin_np.sprx'''" contains a full list and location of XMB configuration files and the "root" entry which is to be loaded for the root of the category for each firmware type (CEX/CEX-Shop/DEX/ARC/TOOL).


{| class="wikitable"
It's important to note that '''explore_plugin.sprx''' is capable of managing most of the XMB categories, and thus, not all of these modules might be in use at any time. The '''explore_plugin.sprx''' is actually available to '''vsh.self''' and other modules through the '''xmb_plugin.sprx''' and '''xmb_ingame.sprx''' See [[XMBML module-action]]
|-
! Path !! Filename !! Usage (very speculative) !! width*heigth (lines 4 and 5) !! Notes
|-
| rowspan=8 | dev_flash/vsh/etc/
| layout_factor_table_272.txt || PSVita [[Remote Play]] ? || 854x480 || PSVita remoteplay as 852x480 due to 2 (bottom) lines being reserved because of scaler (Vita framebuffer size is 80 x 272, 640 x 368, 720 x 408, or 960 x 544) and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilinear_filtering bilinear filltering]
|-
| layout_factor_table_480.txt || PAL and NTSC TV's ? || 640x480 || 4/3 aspect ratio
|-
| layout_factor_table_720.txt || ? || 1280x720 || 16/9 aspect ratio
|-
| layout_factor_table_1080.txt || HD TV's ? || 1920x1080 || 16/9 aspect ratio
|-
| layout_grid_table_272.txt || PSVita [[Remote Play]] ? || 854x480 || PSVita remoteplay
|-
| layout_grid_table_480.txt || PAL and NTSC TV's ? || 640x480 || 4/3 aspect ratio
|-
| layout_grid_table_720.txt || ? || 1280x720 || 16/9 aspect ratio
|-
| layout_grid_table_1080.txt || HD TV's ? || 1920x1080 || 16/9 aspect ratio
|}


Aspect ratio/active array size?:  
== Modules Resources ==
All the .rco files inside '''/dev_flash/vsh/resource/'''. See: [[Resource Container (RCO)]] page


At the end of '''layout_factor_table_272.txt''' (and others factor tables):
=== RCOXML Configuration Files===
725.9 <--- width active array?
These are XML files which defines the visual structure of XMB, are embedded inside all .rco files. See: [[RCOXML Coding]] page
408 <--- height active array?
... 725.9/408 = 1.7791666666666666666666666666667 aspect ratio
... in last 2 lines of layout_factor_table_1080.txt... 1728/972= 1,7777777777777777777777777777778 (exactly proportional to 16/9)


In case of an standard image usually appears the width and the heigth in 2 consecutive lines, e.g:
There are 2 modes used by XMB: "XMB Main" and "XMB In-game", and other modes that replaces XMB like the "Coldboot", "Gameboot", or "Impose"
In line 77 of: '''layout_factor_table_1080.txt'''
486
405
320
176
...320x176 is the size of ICON0.PNG and ICON1.PAM
...486x405 is the size of ICON2.PNG and ICON3.SWF (used in PS3_EXTRA disc structure)
...Is the only place inside this "layout tables" files where appears a 320 and in the next line a 176 consecutivelly


Some of the images are defined with 4 values, where the last one (unk2) is negative (width, heigth, unk1, unk2), e.g:
====XMB Main ([[xmb plugin]])====
In line 2210 of '''layout_grid_table_1080.txt'''
The XrossMediaBar after the coldboot, with full functions of all the items/icons displayed
1000
560
290
-157
310
250
115
-69
... 1000x560 is the size of PIC0.PNG... the value 290 (unk1) and -157 (unk2) seems to be associated with this image
... 310x250 is the size of PIC2.PNG... the value 115 (unk1) and -69 (unk2) seems to be associated with this image
 
Others values are decimal (scalation factors?), e.g:
The first 8 lines of '''layout_factor_table_720.txt'''
1
0
0
1280  <--- width
720    <--- heigth
0.6667 <--- scalation factor ?
0.6667 <--- scalation factor ?
0.6923 <--- scalation factor ?


*Notes:
*Managed by: xmb_plugin.sprx / xmb_plugin_normal.rco
**Some of the items in XMB are defined by a central point (not by an square composed by width and heigth where the image must fit)... like the main category icons of the XMB that uses a central point to scalate the icon proportionally in all directions when the cursor is focused on his column. Actually this icons are originally 128x128 pixels, but when displayed in XMB are reduced to half his size (64x64 or so), and when focused are displayed a bit bigger (100x100 or so)
**The most easy values to recognize are the resolution of the screen, always at top of the list (in the first lines)
**Sizes and positions of main XMB category icons should be at top of the lists because are something generic and the rest of XMB items is built around them
**There are no layouts for PAL (720x576) or NTSC (720x480), it seems this resolutions are generated from the files: '''layout_factor_table_720.txt''' and '''layout_grid_table_720.txt''' (1280x720)... some kind of "downscalling" (maybe made at hardware level) to keep retrocompatibility with "old" TV's ?
**When making tests with this files keep in mind the safest ones are the modes your TV doesnt uses by default and/or remoteplay layouts because after a reboot the PS3 doesnt loads them (only loaded when enabling remote play from XMB, not at boot time)... also keep in mind that the other layouts should be common with the "recovery menu" and "service mode" display modes... and you can change your TV resolution in the options in XMB settings column, then return to default resolution with a button combo at boot time


=XMB Modes=
====XMB In-Game ([[xmb ingame]])====
The different working modes used by XMB
Introduced in firmware 2.40, available inside games by a '''short''' press of {{padps}} button


*Notes: Some games such as Fritz chess got even 3 different XMB In Game: V2 when the game is launched, V1 during autosave feature screen, and a kind of V1.5 after (ICONS barely visible and no background visible)
Is a reduced version of the XrossMediaBar where most of the icons are "dummies" that triggers a message like: "to use this function you need to quit the game and return to Main XMB, want to quit?". <!-- lol, needed to find the exact error message --> The only items that are really enabled are the ones usefull to use inside games, like savegames view, trophies view, gamedata view, friends, chat, etc...


==ColdBoot==
There are also some icons, options, or settings that only can appear in this mode (never displayed "XMB Main" mode)... like screenshots icon in the photo colum (when enabled), or some settings specific for emulators (in settings column, things like resolution, filters, etc...)
The animation when PS3 boots, not exactly a mode but should be considered part of XMB


==Main XMB==
*Managed by: xmb_ingame.sprx / xmb_ingame.rco
The XrossMediaBar after the coldboot, with full functions of all the items/icons displayed


==GameBoot==
*Note XMB In-Game is inneficient in concept, because displays items that are dummies not needed and cant be used, in some games the loading of XMB In-Game is laggy (specially the loading of savegames and trophies submenues)
The animation when a game boots (practically not notable in newer firmwares), not exactly a mode but should be considered part of XMB


==XMB In-Game (old)==
*http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/06/ps3-ingame-xmb-2.40-clock.jpg
Inside games, appears/hides by a '''short''' (under 2.40 firmware) or '''long''' (over 2.40 firmware) press of {{padps}} button
*http://www.viddler.com/simple/1ffb1ce3/
 
Allows to asign controllers to players, view battery levels of controllers, quit game, etc...


This is the screen that appeared in older firmwares under 2.40. Never was named "XMB In-Game" but is listed here with this name because by now there is not found a reference about it in code, sprx usage, etc.. This differentiation of "XMB In-Game" modes was also named (v1) and (v2) in other places, but this is not an accurate naming
====Impose Menu ([[impose plugin]])====
Available in "Main XMB" and inside games by a '''short''' press (under 2.40 firmware) or '''long''' press (over 2.40 firmware) of {{padps}} button


http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/01/ps3-in-game-menu.jpg
Allows to asign controllers to players, view battery levels of controllers, quit game, etc... http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/01/ps3-in-game-menu.jpg


==XMB In-Game==
*Managed by: impose_plugin.sprx / impose_plugin.rco
Inside games, appears/hides by a '''short''' {{padps}} press


Introduced in firmware 2.40, replaces the '''short''' {{padps}} press (and the old mode was assigned to a '''long''' press). Both modes are availables in newer firmwares
====ColdBoot ([[custom render plugin]])====
The old animation when PS3 boots (from 1.00 up to 2.60 firmware)


Is a reduced version of the XrossMediaBar where most of the icons are "dummies" that triggers a message this kind: "to use this function you need to quit the game and return to Main XMB, want to quit?"
*Managed by: custom_render_plugin.sprx / custom_render_plugin.rco


The only items that are really enabled are the ones usefull to use inside games, like savegames view, trophies view, gamedata view, friends, chat, etc...
====ColdBoot2 ([[custom render plugin]])====
The new animation when PS3 boots (from 2.70 up to {{latestPS3}} firmware) , associated with [[coldboot.raf]]


There are also some items that can appear only in this mode (not in the main XMB)... like screenshots icon in the photo colum (when enabled), or some settings specific for emulators (in settings column, things like resolution, filters, etc...)
*Managed by: custom_render_plugin.sprx / custom_render_plugin.rco


*Managed by: xmb_ingame.sprx
====GameBoot ([[custom render plugin]])====
The animation when a game boots


*Note XMB In-Game is inneficient in concept, because displays items that are dummies not needed and cant be used, in some games the loading of XMB In-Game is laggy (and the loading of trophies list is laggy in most games)
*Managed by: custom_render_plugin.sprx / custom_render_plugin.rco


*http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/06/ps3-ingame-xmb-2.40-clock.jpg
====OtherBoot ([[custom render plugin]])====
*http://www.viddler.com/simple/1ffb1ce3/
Unknown, seems associated with OtherOS
 
=Virtual Shell (VSH)=
The [[VSH|Virtual Shell]] encapsulates the XMB interface. It is loaded at: '''/dev_flash/vsh/module/vsh.self'''
 
And has numerous modules and descriptor files. The VSH does not directly load the XMB interface, it loads support modules to do that instead. The modules directly responsible for the XMB interface are in '''/dev_flash/vsh/module/''' and include:
explore_category_friend.sprx
explore_category_game.sprx
explore_category_music.sprx
explore_category_network.sprx
explore_category_photo.sprx
explore_category_psn.sprx
explore_category_sysconf.sprx
explore_category_tv.sprx
explore_category_user.sprx
explore_category_video.sprx
explore_plugin.sprx
explore_plugin_ft.sprx
explore_plugin_game.sprx
explore_plugin_np.sprx
Those modules are responsible for processing the XMB descriptor files (.XML format) used to generate the XMB interface. All of the above modules except for "'''explore_plugin_game.sprx'''" and "'''explore_plugin_np.sprx'''" contains a full list and location of XMB configuration files and the "root" entry which is to be loaded for the root of the category for each firmware type (CEX/CEX-Shop/DEX/ARC/TOOL).


It's important to note that '''explore_plugin.sprx''' is capable of managing most of the XMB categories, and thus, not all of these modules might be in use at any time. The '''explore_plugin.sprx''' is actually available to '''vsh.self''' and other modules through the '''xmb_plugin.sprx''' and '''xmb_ingame.sprx''' See [[XMB XML Coding#Module-Action|Module Action]]
*Managed by: custom_render_plugin.sprx / custom_render_plugin.rco


=XMB Configuration Files=
===Languages===
Language files are stored inside [[Resource Container (RCO)]] files, are loaded based on a user setting stored in [[XRegistry.sys]]


These are .XML files which outline the logic of XMB categories. All of the XMB .XML configuration files are located in path: '''/dev_flash/vsh/resource/explore/xmb/'''
XMB can be configured to display the texts in several languages, and every language uses a language code internally to identify it, this same language codes are used in contents that contains several languages availabes (like games, trophy installers, themes, etc...).


For information on the structure of this files, see [[XMB XML Coding]], [[XMB modding]] and [[VSH module-action]] pages.
See: [[Languages]] page
{{PlayStation Languages}}


{{PS3 XMB XML Configuration Files}}
==Fonts==
All the .ttf files in '''dev_flash/data/font/ '''


*The VSH heavily regulates the Setting Category and the .XML file is only used by when accessing the XMB "in-game", even then it restricts what parts of the .XML are actually shown. It is not possible to modify the Settings Category to any effect by editing the .XML configuration file
The fonts are loaded by the rcoxml files (rcoxml files contains font definitions like color, sizes, type, etc...) and based on a user setting stored in [[XRegistry.sys]]


*This table is not inclusive of other PS3 firmwares, but their root entries are present in all PS3 Firmwares. All PS3 Firmwares (CEX/DEX/CEX-Shop/...) contain the *same* XML configuration files for any given firmware version.
Font can be configured in XMB -> settings -> Theme to "original", "rounded", and "pop". See: [[XMB Fonts]] page


*In category_friend.xml <View id="root_hide_friend"> is used when not loged in ? (no friends)
==XMBML Configuration Files==
Are the configuration files for the modules responsibles of the contents in the 10 XMB categories, loaded individually by the associated '''dev_flash/vsh/module/explore_category_*.sprx''' module


==Other XMB Configuration Files==
All the XMBML configuration files are included in all firmwares for all PS3 models, and are located in path: '''/dev_flash/vsh/resource/explore/xmb/'''


These are XMB Configuration Files which are used in the 'behind the scenes' of running the XMB.
For more information about the structure of this files see: [[XMBML Files]], [[XMBML Coding]], [[XMBML Functions]] and [[XMBML Coding Examples]]


{| class="wikitable"
<div style="height:525px; width:1300px; margin:auto; overflow:auto">{{PS3 XMBML Configuration Files}}</div>
|-
! Configuration File !! Directly Dependent Modules !! Module Use
|-
| category_user_login.xml || Found in all "explore_*.sprx" modules, except "explore_plugin_game.sprx" and "explore_plugin_np.sprx" || XMB Configuration File for the 'Log In' XMB Category, which only shows when no user is logged in.
|-
| category_widget.xml || - || RSS Related
|-
| download_list.xml || data_copy_plugin.sprx, download_plugin.sprx, friendim_plugin.sprx, photolist_plugin.sprx, playlist_plugin.sprx, scenefolder_plugin.sprx, sysconf_plugin.sprx, videodownloader_plugin.sprx, webbrowser_plugin.sprx, webrender_plugin.sprx || Used For the Download of Photos/Music/Video to various external and internal locations.
|-
| null.xml || Found in all "explore_*.sprx" modules || Dummy File/Testing Purposes?
|-
| playlist.xml || filecopy_plugin.sprx, playlist_plugin.sprx || Creating Playlists
|-
| registory.xml || - || Used for the organisation of User Data which is accessible from the XMB
|-
| savedata_list.xml || ps3_savedata_plugin.sprx, ps3_savedata_plugin_game.sprx, ps3_savedata_plugin_psp.sprx || Outlines the XMB entries for creating new saves, for both PSP and PS3 games.
|-
| upload_list.xml || - || Photo/Music/Video Locations for Upload
|-
| videodownloader_list.xml || videodownloader_plugin.sprx || For downloading videos, to both 'secure' and 'not secure' locations. USB Mass Storage devices are not included in either.
|-
|}


=Sony Documentation=
== XMB Layouts ==
This files contains a list of numeric values that defines the positions, sizes, etc of most/all the items displayed in XMB. They're divided into 4 resolution modes, most specifically by these heights: (272, 480, 720, and 1080), and 2 types: (factor, and grid).


http://us.playstation.com/support/manuals/ps3/index.htm
For more info about this files see: [[XMB Layouts]] page.


{{XMB Layout Tables}}


{{File Formats}}<noinclude>[[Category:Main]]</noinclude>
{{Firmware}}<noinclude>[[Category:Main]]</noinclude>

Latest revision as of 17:45, 12 November 2024

Read manuals.playstation.net/document and us.playstation.com/support/manuals
Users
Users		 Settings
Settings		 Photo
Photo		 Music
Music		 Video
Video		 TV/Video Services
TV/Video Services		 Game
Game		 Network
Network		 PlayStation Network
PlayStation Network		 Friends
Friends
XMB Classic theme

Description[edit | edit source]

The Xross Media Bar (pronounced "Cross Media Bar") (or XMB) is the graphical user interface for the PS3

The first Sony product with a XMB interface was the "Sony PSX" in 2003 (A hybrid of a PS2 + DVR player with recorder capabilityes only released in japan, see: PSX sony.co.jp and Wikipedia PSX), later was used by the PSP, then PS3 and some Bravia TV's

The word "Xross" (the "X" itself) is a reference to the alignment of the icons in rows and columns, each column is a category

System Software can be updated from the XMB settings by using an .PUP file

Installable Content (games or apps in .pkg format, and a few PS2 Discs), and contents in PS3 Discs, are "preloaded" by XMB using an small file (see: PARAM.SFO) this file is indexed in a database for efficiency purposes and fast access (see: XMB Database) and contains an identifyer that belongs to an specific XMB column (see: CATEGORY)

The dynamic wave on the background theme are more condensed into a 'ribbon' rather than the PSP's large waves, unselected icons shrink slightly and every selectable background color has been made a shade darker.

The PS3 includes the ability to store various master and secondary user profiles, manage and explore various photos format(.MPO since FW 3.70) with Photo Gallery or an ordinary musical/non-musical slideshow, rip audio CDs, rip iTunes AAC protected files, play and copy music and video files from the hard disk drive, an optional USB mass storage or Flash card, or an optical disc (Blu-ray Disc or DVD-Video).

Web browser, also supported with USB or BlueTooth keyboard, can download multiple file types but with some restrictions. Shortcut for launching website is also possible from TV/VIDEO collumn.

Since FW 4.30, trophies have been moved to the PlayStation Network category, in which Online shopping through the PlayStation Store is possible.

The Friends menu allows email with emoticons and attached picture features and video chat which requires an optional webcam (although the PlayStation Eye and the EyeToy are official webcams, most USB webcams will work).

The PS3 reserves 48 MB of RAM at all times for XMB functions, multi-task in ways such as listening to stored audio files while surfing the web, looking at pictures or playing games.


The XMB by default changes its color depending on the current month of the year and brightness depending on the time of the day (only in original and classic Themes). XMB color can be configured to "default" (changes every month) or one of the 12 color preconfigured for months, in XMB Settings column ---> Theme settings ---> Color

This change of color affects background, waves, all the icons, and other images like the "side menu". The color is applyed to the originall images like a "color filter" layer over them (note originall icons are semitransparent white to improve this effect)

The background images changes acordingly with the month. The file lines.qrc contains 24 textures_month_bg_*.dds images of 64x32 pixels. Each day has 2 different images for "day" and "night". See Qt Resource Container (QRC)

The color filter and brignhness values in this tables are not the exact values, is unknown how this filters are applyed, where are stored, and how works, see Talk:XMB for speculations

XMB colors during the year. Color filter values are orientative
[edit]
Month All January February March April May June July August September October November December
Color code 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Day background Varies Textures month bg rgb 01.jpg Textures month bg rgb 02.jpg Textures month bg rgb 03.jpg Textures month bg rgb 04.jpg Textures month bg rgb 05.jpg Textures month bg rgb 06.jpg Textures month bg rgb 07.jpg Textures month bg rgb 08.jpg Textures month bg rgb 09.jpg Textures month bg rgb 10.jpg Textures month bg rgb 11.jpg Textures month bg rgb 12.jpg
Night background Varies Textures month bg night 01.jpg Textures month bg night 02.jpg Textures month bg night 03.jpg Textures month bg night 04.jpg Textures month bg night 05.jpg Textures month bg night 06.jpg Textures month bg night 07.jpg Textures month bg night 08.jpg Textures month bg night 09.jpg Textures month bg night 10.jpg Textures month bg night 11.jpg Textures month bg night 12.jpg
Color filter MonthTime
CBCBCB D8BF1A 6DB217 E17E9A 178816 9A61C8 02CDC7 0C76C0 B444C0 E5A708 875B1E E3412A


XMB brightness during the day. Values are orientative
[edit]
Time 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
Value


Virtual Shell (VSH)[edit | edit source]

The Virtual Shell encapsulates the XMB interface. It is loaded at: /dev_flash/vsh/module/vsh.self

And has numerous modules and descriptor files. The VSH does not directly load the XMB interface, it loads support modules to do that instead. The modules directly responsible for the XMB interface are in /dev_flash/vsh/module/ and include: 

explore_category_friend.sprx
explore_category_game.sprx
explore_category_music.sprx
explore_category_network.sprx
explore_category_photo.sprx
explore_category_psn.sprx
explore_category_sysconf.sprx
explore_category_tv.sprx
explore_category_user.sprx
explore_category_video.sprx

explore_plugin.sprx
explore_plugin_ft.sprx
explore_plugin_game.sprx
explore_plugin_np.sprx

VSH Modules[edit | edit source]

All the .sprx files inside /dev_flash/vsh/module/. See: Plugin Interfaces page

Those modules are responsible for processing the XMB descriptor files (.XML format) used to generate the XMB interface. All of the above modules except for "explore_plugin_game.sprx" and "explore_plugin_np.sprx" contains a full list and location of XMB configuration files and the "root" entry which is to be loaded for the root of the category for each firmware type (CEX/CEX-Shop/DEX/ARC/TOOL).

It's important to note that explore_plugin.sprx is capable of managing most of the XMB categories, and thus, not all of these modules might be in use at any time. The explore_plugin.sprx is actually available to vsh.self and other modules through the xmb_plugin.sprx and xmb_ingame.sprx See XMBML module-action

Modules Resources[edit | edit source]

All the .rco files inside /dev_flash/vsh/resource/. See: Resource Container (RCO) page

RCOXML Configuration Files[edit | edit source]

These are XML files which defines the visual structure of XMB, are embedded inside all .rco files. See: RCOXML Coding page

There are 2 modes used by XMB: "XMB Main" and "XMB In-game", and other modes that replaces XMB like the "Coldboot", "Gameboot", or "Impose"

XMB Main (xmb plugin)[edit | edit source]

The XrossMediaBar after the coldboot, with full functions of all the items/icons displayed

  • Managed by: xmb_plugin.sprx / xmb_plugin_normal.rco

XMB In-Game (xmb ingame)[edit | edit source]

Introduced in firmware 2.40, available inside games by a short press of Dualshock PS button button

Is a reduced version of the XrossMediaBar where most of the icons are "dummies" that triggers a message like: "to use this function you need to quit the game and return to Main XMB, want to quit?". The only items that are really enabled are the ones usefull to use inside games, like savegames view, trophies view, gamedata view, friends, chat, etc...

There are also some icons, options, or settings that only can appear in this mode (never displayed "XMB Main" mode)... like screenshots icon in the photo colum (when enabled), or some settings specific for emulators (in settings column, things like resolution, filters, etc...)

  • Managed by: xmb_ingame.sprx / xmb_ingame.rco
  • Note XMB In-Game is inneficient in concept, because displays items that are dummies not needed and cant be used, in some games the loading of XMB In-Game is laggy (specially the loading of savegames and trophies submenues)

Impose Menu (impose plugin)[edit | edit source]

Available in "Main XMB" and inside games by a short press (under 2.40 firmware) or long press (over 2.40 firmware) of Dualshock PS button button

Allows to asign controllers to players, view battery levels of controllers, quit game, etc... http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/01/ps3-in-game-menu.jpg

  • Managed by: impose_plugin.sprx / impose_plugin.rco

ColdBoot (custom render plugin)[edit | edit source]

The old animation when PS3 boots (from 1.00 up to 2.60 firmware)

  • Managed by: custom_render_plugin.sprx / custom_render_plugin.rco

ColdBoot2 (custom render plugin)[edit | edit source]

The new animation when PS3 boots (from 2.70 up to 4.91 firmware) , associated with coldboot.raf

  • Managed by: custom_render_plugin.sprx / custom_render_plugin.rco

GameBoot (custom render plugin)[edit | edit source]

The animation when a game boots

  • Managed by: custom_render_plugin.sprx / custom_render_plugin.rco

OtherBoot (custom render plugin)[edit | edit source]

Unknown, seems associated with OtherOS

  • Managed by: custom_render_plugin.sprx / custom_render_plugin.rco

Languages[edit | edit source]

Language files are stored inside Resource Container (RCO) files, are loaded based on a user setting stored in XRegistry.sys

XMB can be configured to display the texts in several languages, and every language uses a language code internally to identify it, this same language codes are used in contents that contains several languages availabes (like games, trophy installers, themes, etc...).

See: Languages page

PlayStation Languages
[edit]
Code Name Support
2-digits 2-letters Localised English PS1 PS2 PSP PS3 PSV PS4 PS5
00 ja 日本語 Japanese ALL ALL 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
01 en English (United States) English (United States)
02 fr Français French No 1.50
03 es Español (España) Spanish (Spain)
04 de Deutsch German
05 it Italiano Italian
06 nl Nederlands Dutch
07 pt Português (Portugal) Portuguese (Portugal)
08 ru Русский Russian EXT
09 ko 한국어 Korean 2.00 1.50
10 ch 繁體中文 Chinese (Traditional) 2.70 1.60
11 zh 简体中文 Chinese (Simplified)
12 fi Suomi Finnish No No
13 sv Svenska Swedish
14 da Dansk Danish
15 no Norsk Norwegian
16 pl Polski Polish 3.10
17 br Português (Brasil) Portuguese (Brazil) 4.00
18 gb English (United Kingdom) English (United Kingdom)
19 tr Türkçe Turkish 4.30 2.00
20 la Español (América Latina) Spanish (Latin America) No No
21 ar العربية Arabic 2.00
22 ca Français (Canada) French (Canada) 2.50
23 cs Čeština Czech 5.00
24 hu Magyar Hungarian
25 el Ελληνικά Greek
26 ro Română Romanian
27 th ไทย Thai
28 vi Tiếng Việt Vietnamese
29 in Indonesia Indonesian
30 uk Українська Ukrainian 9.50 3.00


Fonts[edit | edit source]

All the .ttf files in dev_flash/data/font/

The fonts are loaded by the rcoxml files (rcoxml files contains font definitions like color, sizes, type, etc...) and based on a user setting stored in XRegistry.sys

Font can be configured in XMB -> settings -> Theme to "original", "rounded", and "pop". See: XMB Fonts page

XMBML Configuration Files[edit | edit source]

Are the configuration files for the modules responsibles of the contents in the 10 XMB categories, loaded individually by the associated dev_flash/vsh/module/explore_category_*.sprx module

All the XMBML configuration files are included in all firmwares for all PS3 models, and are located in path: /dev_flash/vsh/resource/explore/xmb/

For more information about the structure of this files see: XMBML Files, XMBML Coding, XMBML Functions and XMBML Coding Examples

PS3 XMBML Configuration Files
[edit]
XMB Users
Users		 Settings
Settings		 Photo
Photo		 Music
Music		 Video
Video		 TV/Video Services
TV/Video Services		 Game
Game		 Network
Network		 PlayStation Network
PlayStation Network		 Friends
Friends
Pre Logins
(Common) 		category_user_login.xml
root		 category_friend.xml
root_hide_friend
Retail  CEX 
View id 		category_user.xml
root		 category_sysconf.xml
root		 category_photo.xml
root		 category_music.xml
root		 category_video.xml
root		 category_tv.xml
root		 category_game.xml
root		 category_network.xml
root		 category_psn.xml
root		 category_friend.xml
root
Debug  DEX  DECR 
View id 		category_user.xml
root		 category_sysconf.xml
root		 category_photo.xml
root		 category_music.xml
root_for_dex		 category_video.xml
root_for_dex		 category_tv.xml
root		 category_game_tool2.xml
root_dex		 category_network_tool2.xml
root		 category_psn.xml
tool_root		 category_friend.xml
root
Shop (Staff)  SHOP 
View id 		category_user.xml
root		 category_sysconf.xml
root		 category_photo.xml
root		 category_music.xml
root		 category_video.xml
root		 category_tv.xml
root		 category_game.xml
root		 category_network_shop.xml
shop_staff_root		 category_psn.xml
shop_staff_root		 category_friend.xml
root
Shop (Guest)  SHOP 
View id 		category_user_shop.xml
root		 category_sysconf_shop.xml
root		 category_photo.xml
shop_root		 category_music.xml
root		 category_video.xml
root		 category_tv.xml
root		 category_game.xml
shop_guest_root		 category_network_shop.xml
root		 category_psn.xml
shop_guest_root		 category_friend_shop.xml
root
Arcade  ARC 
View id 		category_sysconf.xml
root		 category_photo.xml
root		 category_music.xml
root		 category_video_bdu.xml ?
root		 category_game_tool2.xml
root_arcade		 category_network.xml
root		 category_friend.xml
root
AV/Test  AV TEST 
View id 		category_user.xml
root_for_BDU ?		 category_sysconf.xml
root		 category_photo.xml
root		 category_music.xml
root		 category_video_bdponly.xml ?
root		 category_tv.xml
root		 category_game.xml ?
root_for_BDU ?		 category_network.xml ?
root		 category_psn.xml
root ?		 category_friend.xml
root ?
XMB database
Filters
(Common) 		registory.xml registory.xml registory.xml
upload_list.xml
download_list.xml
playlist.xml videodownloader_list.xml savedata_list.xml
Others
XML FallBack null.xml
root
Obsolete
and
Unknown 		category_widget.xml
root
category_network_tool2.xml
root_info
category_photo.xml
stage_demo_root		 category_music.xml
stage_demo_root		 category_network.xml
stage_demo_root		 category_friend.xml
stage_demo_root
category_friend_tool2.xml
root_for_soe
category_avchat.xml
root
category_network_.xml
xai_test_root
category_network_.xml
store_root
category_video_bdponly.xml
root
category_user.xml
root_for_BDU		 category_game.xml
root_for_BDU
category_user.xml
root_power_only
category_game_tool2.xml
root_for_ingame_gaikai_dex
root_for_sdps3_gaikai_dex
category_game_exitonly.xml
root
category_media.xml ?
root
category_user_tool2.xml
root
debug.xml ?
root
root.xml ?
segmentize
root

XMB Layouts[edit | edit source]

This files contains a list of numeric values that defines the positions, sizes, etc of most/all the items displayed in XMB. They're divided into 4 resolution modes, most specifically by these heights: (272, 480, 720, and 1080), and 2 types: (factor, and grid).

For more info about this files see: XMB Layouts page.

XMB Layout Tables
[edit]
Path Filename Usage Resolution Aspect Ratio
dev_flash/vsh/etc/ layout_grid_table_1080.txt
layout_factor_table_1080.txt		 1080p and 1080i for Full HD displays 1920x1080 16/9
layout_grid_table_720.txt
layout_factor_table_720.txt		 720p for HD displays 1280x720
layout_grid_table_480.txt
layout_factor_table_480.txt		 480p and 480i for ED and SD displays 640x480 4/3
layout_grid_table_272.txt
layout_factor_table_272.txt		 PSP/PSV/PC Remote Play 480x272 non standard
  • 576p and 576i (the ED and SD displays for PAL regions) sems to be managed with the same XMB Layouts than 480p and 480i (the ED and SD displays for NTSC regions)


Updates
and
Patches
Retail / CEX
1.00 · 1.02 · 1.10 · 1.11 · 1.30 · 1.31 · 1.32 · 1.50 · 1.51 · 1.54 · 1.55 · 1.60 · 1.70 · 1.80 · 1.81 · 1.82 · 1.90 · 1.91 · 1.92 · 1.93 · 1.94 · 1.97 · 2.00 · 2.01 · 2.10 · 2.16 · 2.17 · 2.20 · 2.30 · 2.35 · 2.36 · 2.40 · 2.41 · 2.42 · 2.43 · 2.45 · 2.50 · 2.52 · 2.53 · 2.60 · 2.70 · 2.75 · 2.76 · 2.80 · 3.00 · 3.01 · 3.10 · 3.15 · 3.16 · 3.20 · 3.21 · 3.30 · 3.40 · 3.41-1 · 3.41-patch · 3.41-2 · 3.42 · 3.42-patch · 3.50 · 3.55 · 3.55-patch · 3.56-1 · 3.56-2 · 3.60 · 3.61 · 3.65 · 3.66 · 3.70 · 3.71 · 3.72 · 3.72-patch · 3.73 · 3.73-patch · 3.74 · 4.00 · 4.01 · 4.10 · 4.11 · 4.15 · 4.20 · 4.21 · 4.21-patch · 4.22 · 4.25 · 4.25-patch · 4.30 · 4.30-patch · 4.31 · 4.31-patch · 4.40 · 4.40-patch · 4.41 · 4.41-patch · 4.45 · 4.45-patch · 4.46 · 4.50 · 4.50-patch · 4.53 · 4.53-patch · 4.55 · 4.55-patch · 4.60 · 4.60-patch · 4.65 · 4.65-patch · 4.66 · 4.66-patch · 4.70 · 4.70-patch · 4.75 · 4.75-patch · 4.76 · 4.76-patch · 4.78 · 4.78-patch · 4.80 · 4.80-patch · 4.81 · 4.81-patch · 4.82 · 4.82-patch · 4.83 · 4.83-patch · 4.84 · 4.84-patch · 4.85 · 4.85-patch · 4.86 · 4.86-patch · 4.87 · 4.88 · 4.89 · 4.90 · 4.91
Shop / SEX
2.42 · 2.51 · 3.41 · 3.50 · 3.55 · 3.56-1 · 3.56-2 · 3.60 · 3.61 · 3.66 · 3.70 · 4.00 · 4.10 · 4.11 · 4.20 · 4.21 · 4.23 · 4.25 · 4.26 · 4.30 · 4.31 · 4.40 · 4.41 · 4.45 · 4.46 · 4.50 · 4.53 · 4.55 · 4.60 · 4.65 · 4.66 · 4.70 · 4.75 · 4.76 · 4.78 · 4.80 · 4.81 · 4.82 · 4.83 · 4.84 · 4.85 · 4.86
Debug / DEX
095.001 - DEX · 096.002 - DEX · 1.00 · 1.01 · 1.02 · 1.50 · 1.54 · 1.60 · 1.70 · 1.80 · 1.81 · 1.92 · 2.00 · 2.01 · 2.10 · 2.15 · 2.17 · 2.20 · 2.30 · 2.35 · 2.36 · 2.40 · 2.41 · 2.42 · 2.50 · 2.52 · 2.53 · 2.60 · 2.70 · 2.76 · 2.80 · 2.85 · 3.00 · 3.01 · 3.10 · 3.15 · 3.20 · 3.21 · 3.30 · 3.31 · 3.40 · 3.41 · 3.42 · 3.50 · 3.55 · 3.55-downgrader · 3.55-001d · 3.56 · 3.60 · 3.65 · 3.66 · 3.70 · 3.71 · 3.72 · 3.73 · 3.74 · 4.00 · 4.01 · 4.10 · 4.11 · 4.20 · 4.21 · 4.25 · 4.30 · 4.31 · 4.40 · 4.41 · 4.46 · 4.50 · 4.53 · 4.55 · 4.60 · 4.65 · 4.66 · 4.70 · 4.75 · 4.76 · 4.78 · 4.80 · 4.81 · 4.82 · 4.83 · 4.84
Tool / DECR
0.90 · 0.91-005 · 0.91-006 · 0.92 · 0.94 · 0.95 · 0.96 · 1.00 · 1.01 · 1.02-002 · 1.02-003 · 1.10 · 1.31 · 1.32 · 1.50 · 1.54 · 1.60 · 1.70 · 1.80 · 1.81 · 1.92 · 2.00 · 2.15 · 2.17 · 2.20 · 2.30 · 2.35 · 2.36 · 2.41 · 2.42 · 2.43 · 2.50 · 2.52 · 2.53 · 2.60 · 2.70 · 2.76 · 2.80 · 2.85 · 3.00 · 3.01 · 3.10 · 3.15 · 3.20 · 3.21 · 3.30 · 3.31 · 3.40 · 3.41 · 3.42 · 3.50 · 3.55 · 3.60 · 3.61 · 3.65 · 3.66 · 3.70 · 3.71 · 3.72 · 3.73 · 3.74 · 4.00 · 4.11 · 4.20 · 4.21 · 4.25 · 4.30 · 4.31 · 4.40 · 4.41 · 4.46 · 4.50 · 4.55 · 4.60 · 4.65 · 4.66 · 4.70 · 4.75 · 4.76 · 4.78 · 4.80 · 4.81 · 4.82 · 4.83
AVTool
1.00 · 1.30
Arcade / GEX
197.000 · 245.000 · 251.040 · 3.10 · 3.60 · 4.20 · 4.40 · 4.50 · 4.70
Eboot.rom
Proto CEB
Proto DEH
Proto DECR
Misc.
Firmware
Info
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