Bethesda: Please clear the cache using the steps below. Please make sure the PS3 has plenty of room for proper airflow and that the console is allowed to cool down after extended use. I understand you have tried a new game which is a good testing step. Please make sure you have the patch for the game as well. If these steps do not fix the issue please let us know. Thank you.
Sometimes freezes can be due to a corrupt game cache, so our suggestion would be to delete the cache and start the game again.
To delete the game data cache, you need to delete the entire game folder within the gamedata utility of the PS3 XMediaBar. Then load up the game again.