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Updated: 6th October 05
To save those of you who are new to Sony’s shiny black wonder machine all the hassle, I've created an essential guide. It may need more adding to it, so feel free to suggest stuff (or suggest how crap it is!), but here goes:
PSP Essential Guide
1.0 Firmware
This is the operating software for the PSP. As Sony release new firmware this can be downloaded from the net (and eventually from the PSP itself) giving you extra functions.
To find out what firmware version your PSP is. To do this, turn on your PSP, go to Settings > System Settings > System Information and click "X". A message should appear with "System Software Version" 1.0, 1.5, 1.51, 1.52 or 2.0.
Firmware 2.0 is what you will be using if you bought a UK PSP. Version 2.0 is an important update as it adds a full web browser and ATRAC music support for larger Memory Stick Pros (there are problems getting Atrac format music files to play on 512mb and 1gig Memory Sticks) as well as the ability to make wallpapers from your photos. It also supports a new codec (AVC video codec).
2.0 Emulators and ‘homebrew’ software.
Many people are writing emulators to let you play other console games on your PSP. Current ones include Megadrive, Atari ST, SNES and even Gameboy Advance. The emulators themselves are legal but the legality of any games you download is questionable.
If your PSP is firmware version 1.0 or 1.5, you can run homebrew games, emulators, and applications. If your PSP is firmware version 1.51, 1.52 or 2.0, you cannot run any homebrew software at present. Programmers are currently trying to get around the later firmware security.
Update: There is now a hack which you can download to change your PSP back to 1.5 Firmware in order to play these homebrew applications. Many people have tried it already with success, but there is always the danger you could corrupt the software and break the PSP. If you do use this, you can also download a neat little program that fools any games into thinking your firmware is up-to-date. This is needed due to some games (Virtua Tennis and Wipeout pure are 2 of them) needing a higher firmware version.
3.0 Putting Music on to your PSP.
Most PSP owners will want to have some music files on their PSP. Although the machine is no Ipod beater, it does a good job of storing and playing music.
Firstly, the music needs to be either MP3 or ATRAC3plus. ATRAC3plus Sony’s own format and is about half the size of an MP3 for the same quality.
To convert to ATRAC3 or simply just rip a CD to MP3 you can use many programs. Sony have their Sonicstage software, which is pretty simple to use, but more experienced computer users might find it too basic.
To download to your PSP, connect a PSP link cable to your USB port and to the PSP. In the PSP menu, choose USB mode. Find the drive that pops up on your PC and make sure there is a folder called Music inside. If not, create one.
You can drag your MP3 files into this or into separate folders to create albums and then create a playlist to determine the order of the tracks.
4.0 Regions
A PSP from any country can play games from any country. However, a PSP can only play UMD films from its own region (eg Asian PSP can only play Asian UMD films) This is important to remember when you buy a PSP on import. Some recent films (most notably the free Spiderman 2 UMD given away by Sony) seem to be region free, playable in any PSP.
5.0 Copying movies
Movies and video can be played on the PSP, but they need to be in MP4 format. One of the best (free) tools for this is psp video 9 (from www.pspvideo9.com). Once converted DO NOT change the name of the file.
To upload this to the PSP: connect the USB link lead to the PC and PSP. Again, go to Settings and USB Connection to put the PSP into USB mode. Open the drive on your PC.
Create a folder inside the drive called "MP_ROOT", Create it on the root folder only. Inside that folder, create the folder, "100MNV01".
Move your movies to this folder, then choose ‘Eject’ to close the connection between the PSP and the PC.
6.0 memory Sticks
You can use any Memory Stick DUO, but not old style Memory Sticks. These come in 32mb to 2gb varieties. If you can afford it, it’s best to get a 1gb or more, as this will fit much more on. The 32mb one which comes with the machine is far too small for movie files and will only fit 1 album of music at low quality, alongside your game saves.
To save those of you who are new to Sony’s shiny black wonder machine all the hassle, I've created an essential guide. It may need more adding to it, so feel free to suggest stuff (or suggest how crap it is!), but here goes:
PSP Essential Guide
1.0 Firmware
This is the operating software for the PSP. As Sony release new firmware this can be downloaded from the net (and eventually from the PSP itself) giving you extra functions.
To find out what firmware version your PSP is. To do this, turn on your PSP, go to Settings > System Settings > System Information and click "X". A message should appear with "System Software Version" 1.0, 1.5, 1.51, 1.52 or 2.0.
Firmware 2.0 is what you will be using if you bought a UK PSP. Version 2.0 is an important update as it adds a full web browser and ATRAC music support for larger Memory Stick Pros (there are problems getting Atrac format music files to play on 512mb and 1gig Memory Sticks) as well as the ability to make wallpapers from your photos. It also supports a new codec (AVC video codec).
2.0 Emulators and ‘homebrew’ software.
Many people are writing emulators to let you play other console games on your PSP. Current ones include Megadrive, Atari ST, SNES and even Gameboy Advance. The emulators themselves are legal but the legality of any games you download is questionable.
If your PSP is firmware version 1.0 or 1.5, you can run homebrew games, emulators, and applications. If your PSP is firmware version 1.51, 1.52 or 2.0, you cannot run any homebrew software at present. Programmers are currently trying to get around the later firmware security.
Update: There is now a hack which you can download to change your PSP back to 1.5 Firmware in order to play these homebrew applications. Many people have tried it already with success, but there is always the danger you could corrupt the software and break the PSP. If you do use this, you can also download a neat little program that fools any games into thinking your firmware is up-to-date. This is needed due to some games (Virtua Tennis and Wipeout pure are 2 of them) needing a higher firmware version.
3.0 Putting Music on to your PSP.
Most PSP owners will want to have some music files on their PSP. Although the machine is no Ipod beater, it does a good job of storing and playing music.
Firstly, the music needs to be either MP3 or ATRAC3plus. ATRAC3plus Sony’s own format and is about half the size of an MP3 for the same quality.
To convert to ATRAC3 or simply just rip a CD to MP3 you can use many programs. Sony have their Sonicstage software, which is pretty simple to use, but more experienced computer users might find it too basic.
To download to your PSP, connect a PSP link cable to your USB port and to the PSP. In the PSP menu, choose USB mode. Find the drive that pops up on your PC and make sure there is a folder called Music inside. If not, create one.
You can drag your MP3 files into this or into separate folders to create albums and then create a playlist to determine the order of the tracks.
4.0 Regions
A PSP from any country can play games from any country. However, a PSP can only play UMD films from its own region (eg Asian PSP can only play Asian UMD films) This is important to remember when you buy a PSP on import. Some recent films (most notably the free Spiderman 2 UMD given away by Sony) seem to be region free, playable in any PSP.
5.0 Copying movies
Movies and video can be played on the PSP, but they need to be in MP4 format. One of the best (free) tools for this is psp video 9 (from www.pspvideo9.com). Once converted DO NOT change the name of the file.
To upload this to the PSP: connect the USB link lead to the PC and PSP. Again, go to Settings and USB Connection to put the PSP into USB mode. Open the drive on your PC.
Create a folder inside the drive called "MP_ROOT", Create it on the root folder only. Inside that folder, create the folder, "100MNV01".
Move your movies to this folder, then choose ‘Eject’ to close the connection between the PSP and the PC.
6.0 memory Sticks
You can use any Memory Stick DUO, but not old style Memory Sticks. These come in 32mb to 2gb varieties. If you can afford it, it’s best to get a 1gb or more, as this will fit much more on. The 32mb one which comes with the machine is far too small for movie files and will only fit 1 album of music at low quality, alongside your game saves.
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Yeh, thats what my mum has, a two to three plug adapter.
You don't need an adapter, you can just use any figure of 8 power cord, the exact same type which plugs into a PS2 or Xbox.
:D.
What I mean by that is that the PSP comes with a self regulating power supply. All you do is plug it into any socket and it regulates the voltage itself, so the American PSP can be plugged straight into a UK socket no problem, all you need is either a 2 to 3 pin plug adapter, or a different cable to plug into the power supply regulator which comes with the PSP.
:D.
What I mean by that is that the PSP comes with a self regulating power supply. All you do is plug it into any socket and it regulates the voltage itself, so the American PSP can be plugged straight into a UK socket no problem, all you need is either a 2 to 3 pin plug adapter, or a different cable to plug into the power supply regulator which comes with the PSP.
Erm, I dont know much about adapters so I wont be able to help but I use my mum's hairdryer adapter to charge my PSP. :)
Mozzy wrote:
> I reckon about £120. If you're actually going to America to get
> one then i'd say you might aswell get one over there for like
> £60 cheaper.
>
Thats great. Didnt think they were that cheap over there. Well I think I'l end up getting one.
GTA, Burnout, Pro Evo and Toca whilst travelling seems irresistible.
And about charging the battery over here.. I'l need an AC PSP charger which I think I've already seen about.
Has anyone been to America since PSP release? Im gessing they're no trouble to get hold of.
> I reckon about £120. If you're actually going to America to get
> one then i'd say you might aswell get one over there for like
> £60 cheaper.
>
Thats great. Didnt think they were that cheap over there. Well I think I'l end up getting one.
GTA, Burnout, Pro Evo and Toca whilst travelling seems irresistible.
And about charging the battery over here.. I'l need an AC PSP charger which I think I've already seen about.
Has anyone been to America since PSP release? Im gessing they're no trouble to get hold of.
you could be bothered to type all of that?
You really need to get a life
:D
You really need to get a life
:D
I reckon about £120. If you're actually going to America to get one then i'd say you might aswell get one over there for like £60 cheaper.
You could get a few DVDs over there too, and rip them onto your PSP.
I think the dollar is almost worth half as much as the pound so it'll be like Half price land.
:D
You could get a few DVDs over there too, and rip them onto your PSP.
I think the dollar is almost worth half as much as the pound so it'll be like Half price land.
:D
Cheers, useful stuff.
Going to USA in 12 days. I don't know if it would be pointless to buy one out there or wait till I'm back two weeks later and they'll be out over here. Not really bothered about the UMD movies. Though the DVD ripping sounds quite useful.
How much are they retail out there. Prices differ than websites but if I was to go into a mall over there.. how much would I expect to pay for PSP + one game?
Going to USA in 12 days. I don't know if it would be pointless to buy one out there or wait till I'm back two weeks later and they'll be out over here. Not really bothered about the UMD movies. Though the DVD ripping sounds quite useful.
How much are they retail out there. Prices differ than websites but if I was to go into a mall over there.. how much would I expect to pay for PSP + one game?
It seems to me that the memory stick configuration is similar or identical to Sony's Clie handhelds.
I have an NX-70V and it stores images and video in similarly named folders.
I have an NX-70V and it stores images and video in similarly named folders.
kugkv wrote:
> Give time before jumping in like a nerd, and read the post below.
>
> Now you grow up.
>
> :P
I'm not the one acting like a retarded 10 year old. I remember when this forum was half decent, now it's just full of tards like you.
> Give time before jumping in like a nerd, and read the post below.
>
> Now you grow up.
>
> :P
I'm not the one acting like a retarded 10 year old. I remember when this forum was half decent, now it's just full of tards like you.
This is a good thread, dont make it get locked because of arguing.
kugkv, have you managed to get the sound working?
kugkv, have you managed to get the sound working?
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