Problems with UMD Drive RIPS?

Some folk have reported problems with UMD Drive rips. Here are some common problems

1. Works fine from Memory stick but no files seen when UMD (or UMD Drive under 3.9x) is selected. To fix this try: Cold booting the PSP with the disk in the drive (turn off or select restart from the SELECT menu), Use SELECT Menu and select UMD / or UMD Drive,Exit the SELECT Menu and connect via USB
2. Problems with UMD Disk ripping being slow: The disk might be dirty, clean it with care using radial strokes, gently.

Repairs

Ok so your PSP has a fault what can be done:

• Check the guarantees, some credit cards extend the guarantees for 12 months free
• Call Sony on 08705 998877 tell them what the problem is, if you explain the problem the can at their discrection replace your PSP, even broken screens or UMD drives with a refurb unit as long as the warranty sticker is intact (you haven't opened the case to fiddle with the insides other than taking out the battery and memory stick) and you've got the battery and charger then they'll send out a refurbished one via parcelforce and pick up your broken one to take back. This is all free of charge (less the phone call). It's said this even covers broken screens. Try the cheaper geographic number 01923 653598.
• Check for local repair shops and spare on Ebay
• YouTube has great videos showing how to repair PSPs
  

PSP FAT or Slim

Ok so the PSP is a well made bit of kit. Even the cheaper slim is well made compared to other consoles but not as good as the original (but larger) FAT PSP.

If you are after a PSP and do not mind the large FAT PSP the benefits include:

• Better build quality and screen (metal not plastic UMD drive, etc)
• Ability to run 1.5 Firmware and 3.x dual booting
• Much better battery life than slim
• IR Port
• Battery can be used to unlock a slim or FAT if modded
  

The Slim claims better load times, but I've not noticed this. The slim does have improvements

• Charge from USB
• Smaller & Lighter than FAT
• VOIP (Skype et al)
  

Both great machines. Remember both need some kind of case to protect the excellent screen from damage in transit. I do not use a screen protector but some folk like these. There is no substitute for a good case.

Backing Games and Movies....

To rip a UMD disk (Game or movie)

1. Press and hold the Select key in the Cross Bar Menu
2. Select the USB device.
3. Change the device from memory stick to UMD drive
4. Select Exit
5. Connect a PC / Mac via USB
6. You will see a device via USB this will the UMD disk as an ISO
7. Copy the file to your PC / Mac
8. Disconnect the USB
9. Press and hold the Select key in the Cross Bar Menu
10. Select the USB device.
11. Change the device from UMD drive to Memory Stick
12. Select Exit

Use UMDGen to compress ISO of game to CSO. (See the separate post on UMDGEN)
Remember only do this for games you own. Do NOT use this do copy or pirate games.

Put Games in the \ISO directory these cane be ISO or CSO format
Put UMD Movie rips in the \ISO\VIDEO directory (See the separate post on playing these back)
Put transcoder AVIs and podcast videos in \VIDEO

Video Encoding for PSP Playback

The best way to enjoy video on your PSP?

Use the correct software and settings:

1. Video 9 (free download from http://www.pspvideo9.com/) to turn off ads read on
   
2. Just use 3.30 480x272 768kbps stereo 128kbps

Even if you are on a later firmware these settings work the best, until Video 9 update their software!

If you do not want the ads in Video 9 install Kerio firewall and do not allow Kerio to access the internet. No more Ads.

You can convert DivX movies and Podcasts. They may some time so use the batch convert in Video 9 and use the option to shutdown the PC when complete.

Put the files into the \Video directory. Not the \ISO\Video directory which is for UMD video images only.

On the 3.7x and later firmware there is the excellent preview mode and this is improved in 3.8x and beyond!

There is talk that Sony will add DivX native support, however the hardware in the PSP can only support a max data rate for video, this will be exceeded in most common (non PSP) Divx files so some recode work may be required.