Official Thread of the PSP

SmokeyVol · 07-31-2005, 12:35 AM

Post any info you have on the PSP here.
-New Releases
-Add-ons
-Your Thoughts

**vol_freak** · 07-31-2005, 01:43 AM

still loving mine. I am getting close to having everything unlocked in hotshots golf. Also have been playing some ridge racer and a little Mercury (which I am having a hard time getting into). I would like to pick up another game but the selection is so limited right now. I plan on getting madden and burnout when they come out in September.

Also, I just saw where there is going to be a psp version of SSX released this year.

**vols2345** · 07-31-2005, 11:44 AM

the graphica arent as good as I thought it might be. But i think that will come along as the knowledge of the psp progresses. Saw some screen shots of madden and wasnt really impressed.

DrRosenRosen · 07-31-2005, 01:44 PM

The pics of Madden released so far are absolutely pathetic. Looks like the N64 version of the game.

SmokeyVol · 08-05-2005, 09:34 PM

Quote:

[b]Sony to release PSP 2.0 firmware update Aug. 12
By Peter Cohen pcohen@maccentral.com

Sony has already released a 2.0 firmware upgrade to its PlayStation Portable (PSP) in Japan. Sony has announced plans to release that software in North America on August 12. the update adds a Web browser, photo sharing options and more to the handheld gaming console and media player. The update will be available through the “Network Update” feature on the PSP, and will be available for download from Sony’s Web site.

After a successful December launch in Japan, Sony introduced the PSP in North America in March, 2005. Through its Universal Media Disc (UMD) player, the device can play games and movies. What’s more, it can easily connect to a Macintosh or PC and exchange data on its Memory Stick Pro Duo flash media card using a built-in USB 2.0 interface — several third-party Mac utilities have emerged to simplify this process, like iPSP, PSPWare and PocketMac for PSP.

Third firmware update

Sony has released two minor firmware updates since the PSP first launched earlier this year. Both updates were mainly “security” changes. Early adopters discovered they could run “homebrew” software and emulators on their PSP; the updates have prevented that software form working.

The PSP features built-in Wi-Fi wireless networking capabilities, but up to now North American users have only been able to use this functionality to find online games or to download updates or content for their games. Sony hasn’t officially supported other uses. That changes with the 2.0 update, which finally adds Web browsing capabilities.

A recent Japanese 2.0 firmware update has also been installed by some North American users. Although the functionality of the update is the same as the forthcoming U.S. release, Sony doesn’t support this practice and urges North American PSP users to install the official release when it comes out, lest they void their warranties.

Video in 2.0

The PSP can already play back video encoded in .MP4 format, and this release finally enables the PSP to play back H.264-encoded video. The PSP’s H.264 support is hobbled, however, and requires special converters to work. Sources report that QuickTime 7 users need more than just Apple’s software to produce H.264 video that can play on a PSP — it appears that developers of PSP sync software for the Mac need to do some more work to get their apps to support H.264 on the PSP.

For its Japanese customers, Sony has also introduced P-TV, or Portable TV, a Web site where viewers can download clips of Japanese TV shows and other video content in the AVC format. Sony hasn’t announced any plans to make Portable TV available to American viewers, however.

In the interim, and as Sony and third parties sort out the PSP’s H.264 support, there are solutions that let users convert and transfer video content from their Macs to their PSPs. PSPWare and iPSP both let users convert video to the .MP4 format that the PSP can view, then transfer it from the Mac to their PSP’s memory card. Users have reported success transferring television shows and full-length movies to sufficiently large Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.

What’s more, Kinoma’s Producer application — designed specifically to convert video to formats and sizes that PDAS, PSPs and other handheld devices can use — now supports the PSP. Elgato’s EyeTV software recently added PSP export support, as well. EyeTV drives the company’s Mac-compatible Personal Video Recorders (PVRs) and devices from certain third-party manufacturers.

Other changes in 2.0

This firmware update will also provide users with a Wallpaper feature that lets use any image on your Memory Stick Pro Duo as a background image, instead of the cycling monthly colors that now serve as your PSP’s backdrop.

New graphic format support has been added with this release, as well as support for unprotected AAC (MP4) audio and WAV audio formats. That’s a step in the right direction for iTunes users who have converted their music connections to AAC format, though the PSP still can’t play FairPlay-encrypted songs downloaded from the iTunes Music Store. No portable music player can, except for Apple’s line of iPods.

PSP users can transfer pictures via a wireless connection (not music or video, unfortunately). Other changes include improved wireless security — WPA-PSK is now supported. Sources also report that the PSP’s “under the hood” security is better than before, which will make it more difficult for hackers and homebrew application developers to get the PSP to work in ways that Sony doesn’t authorize.

**vol_freak** · 08-06-2005, 12:29 AM

So, do we upgrade firmware or not? DrRosenRosen?

SmokeyVol · 08-06-2005, 12:48 AM

Is the PSP worth it? I've been thinking about getting one.

**vol_freak** · 08-06-2005, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Smokey_Vol@Aug 6, 2005 12:48 AM
[b]Is the PSP worth it? I've been thinking about getting one.*

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It depends on how much you play I guess. I like it but there is a shortage of games right now. Looks like there are quite a few good ones coming out between now and the end of the year like Burnout Legends, Madden, Gran Turismo, etc. No NCAA as of yet though and it's pretty big. Nice screen.

SmokeyVol · 08-06-2005, 08:51 PM

Do you think my wife would believe me if I told her I needed a PSP?

**vol_freak** · 08-07-2005, 12:23 AM

mine did.

**vols2345** · 08-07-2005, 01:41 AM

well the graphics on the new madden game look just horrible. I was looking at the screen shots and it was pathetic.

**vol_freak** · 08-07-2005, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vols2345@Aug 7, 2005 1:41 AM
[b]well the graphics on the new madden game look just horrible.* I was looking at the screen shots and it was pathetic.

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agreed. I don't know what they are thinking on that one. Disappointing.