PSP Advancement

New Motherboards

2009-12-04T03:33:00.000-08:00

Recently a lot of folk have been finding that their PSPs use the new V3 motherboard. These are found on the last of the PSP Slim and lite model (PSP-2000) and the PSP3000 model.

Unlike the earlier PSP Slim and Lites (PSP-2000) and the PSP 1000 there is no easy way to replace the firmware.

However if you are on official firmware 5.03 or earlier all is not lost. If you have a later firmware you cannot yet downgrade.

On these newer PSPs with the V3 motherboard you can install custom firmware. However the change is not permanent. If you (or a program crash) resets the PSP or powers it down: Off rather than sleep the unit reverts to the official firmware 5.03. Note you must be on 5.03 not later or earlier!

While not as convenient as previous changes this is not as bad as it sounds as reinstalling and install the custom firmware typically takes less than a minute.

Problems with UMD Drive RIPS?

2008-03-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

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

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
Problems with UMD Disk ripping being slow: The disk might be dirty, clean it with care using radial strokes, gently.

Repairs

2008-03-14T03:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-14T02:56:00.000-07:00

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....

2008-03-03T13:41:00.000-08:00

To rip a UMD disk (Game or movie)

Press and hold the Select key in the Cross Bar Menu
Select the USB device.
Change the device from memory stick to UMD drive
Select Exit
Connect a PC / Mac via USB
You will see a device via USB this will the UMD disk as an ISO
Copy the file to your PC / Mac
Disconnect the USB
Press and hold the Select key in the Cross Bar Menu
Select the USB device.
Change the device from UMD drive to Memory Stick
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

2008-03-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

The best way to enjoy video on your PSP?

Use the correct software and settings:

Video 9 (free download from http://www.pspvideo9.com/) to turn off ads read on
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.

Extra Screens & Network Updates

2008-02-18T06:11:00.001-08:00

A number of people have asked for screen shots of the screens that the M33 firmware adds.

The main screen is visuble in the normal cross bar menu simply by holding down the "Select" key and releasing it after 4 seconds:

The other big new feature in the 3.80 Firmware is the ability to update via Wifi using the internet. No PC or USB cable required! Just insert a blank memory stick and off you go. You can format the memory stick after the update.

To access new work updates you need will need

1) Disable any plug-ins you have added to the PSP, if you do not know what this means you have not added any! If you have turn off the PSP by holding the power switch up for 5 seconds, then hold down the right trigger while you turn on the PSP, select Plug-in and disable all the plugin, then exit from the recovery console the PSP will reboot with no plug-in started

2) Connect to any wifi connection with internet access. Then select Settings, Network update with a blank memory stick or one with enought space for the updates. I'd recommend at least 100Megs free space, if you are not sure just format a memory stick after you back it up!

New 3.8 M33 release and several patches out..

2008-01-18T16:58:00.000-08:00

The new 3.8 M33 is out, this is excellent news. Thanks to DAX and the team for what looks like a major advance. There are some technical issues, but many of these are being addressed, with the new patches.

PSP UMD Movies...

2008-01-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

I'm often asked about UMD movies and there are important facts you must remember

The ISO file support on the PSP is NOT for DVD or CD ISO only for Sony PSP UMD ISO. These are ISO files made as backups of UMD movie disks
If you want to play a DVD movie, AVI, DivX, Xvid, Mov or MPEG file on a PSP, convert the files using a video converter program such as Video 9 http://www.pspvideo9.com/
UMD ISO files are usually 1.5Gigabtye in size. If you have a 4gig file or a 9gig file you have a DVD Video ISO
You MUST have a UMD disk in the PSP to play a movie ISO
Some UMD ISO files require the region code to be set correctly. e.g a UMD ISO from a American disk needs the PSP to be set up for USA playback. To set the region code:

Turn off the PSP by sliding the power switch up AND holding it up for 5 seconds
Turn on the PSP WHILE HOLDING DOWN THE RIGHT TRIGGER (the transparent button on the top right of the PSP!)
The PSP will boot into recovery mode. You can let go of the right trigger now.
In the configuration menu, select region code and select the country the UMD iso is locked to
Exit the config menu, and exit the recovery console, the PSP will reboot automatically

You MUST copy the ISO of the movie into the \ISO\VIDEO\directory
Hold down the SELECT key for 4 seconds, when you release it the M33 special menu appear, select the Video ISO option, the press left and right, the name of the ISO files in the video directory will appear, select the movie you want to watch, select exit, Under UMD a new UMD move ICON wil appear select this to watch your movie
CSO are not support for Video only for game disks.

Official Sony Firmware Link..

2008-01-16T06:34:00.000-08:00

This is a link to the latest 3.80 Official Sony PSP firmware

http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmware-3.80-PSP/pg/12/fid/15413/catid/163

Developing Programs for the PSP

2008-01-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

I'm often asked how people develop homebrew programs. Development is done mainly in C and there are good development tools.

A great place to start is http://www.psp-programming.com/tutorials/ this site also has an active developer forum so please ask there for help.

The tutorial is step by step so if you know how to do some of the steps (sub version, cygwin) feel free to skip that lesson!

2008-01-09T05:15:00.000-08:00

Ok so the 16Gig memory sticks are out, but that means the price of 8gig cards and all the smaller ones will start to fall.

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=90232

If you need cheap memory sticks (not pirate ones) try play.com they have free shipping.

If you want to create backup games you can do this with your PSP once it is unlocked the back software is built into the firmware.

To fit more backup games onto a memory stick use this program to compress the ISO files
http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/194

The unlocked PSP will also play UMD movies again the unlocked PSP will allow you to backup movies using a normal USB cable

2G £14.99 inc P&P San DISK
http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/3469700/SanDisk-Memory-Stick-Pro-Duo-2GB/Product.html
4G £27.99 inc P&P San Disk
http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/1112089/SanDisk-Gaming-Memory-Stick-PRO-Duo-4GB/Product.html
4G £28.99 nc P&P Sony
http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/1138087/Sony-Memory-Stick-Pro-Duo-4GB/Product.html

PSP Sykpe Firmware release...

2008-01-09T03:25:00.001-08:00

OK so this is out: Key points, its a firmware mod, so how long until a version for FAT come out on custom firmware? Well depends on the hardware ports used to bind the Mic to the slim.

"Sony has dropped a big hint that one of its major announcements for the upcoming CES event (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas will be the compatibility of Skype voice-chat software with the PSP.

On Sony's official website for the event, the electronics giant listed the following capability under PSP System Features: "Call friends, trash talk to fellow gamers or catch up with acquaintances via Skype for PSP system." As this partnership with VoIP provider Skype has not been previously confirmed, TVG can only assume it's in the cards for a CES announcement.

The compatibility with Skype software will allow US PSP owners to talk to each other via Wi-Fi internet connection. SCEE's announcement of the Go! Messenger Kit at the Leipzig Game Convention last August is also set to provide similar functionality for the PSP.

Due as part of a firmware update for European PSP owners early in 2008, the Go! Messenger kit sits on the PSP XMB and can support voice-chat with the application of a headset."

http://www.totalvideogames.com/news/Skype_Functionality_For_PSPs_Worldwide_12557_3102_0.htm

Custom 3.8 on the way....

2008-01-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

Dark Alex will soon be releasing the latest custom firmware for the PSP according to Mathieulh. Mathieulh is one of the forefathers of the PSP hacking scene in case you don’t know. He works with Dark Alex right now and the N00bz team.

So what’s new with the 3.80 M33 Custom Firmware? The new custom Firmware will have all the new features included in the official 3.80 Sony Firmware plus the capability to run homebrew apps. In case you don’t know yet, here’s the list of the new features that are added on the latest Sony Firmware.

Internet Radio Feature has now been added under Network. You will need a wifi connection to connect to the internet radio stations available.
You will now have the ability to preview each scene of a video using the Scene Search feature. for example, if you selected a thumbnail using the Scene Search function, wait for a few seconds and a video preview will begin. The screen will return to the thumbnail of the scene after a few seconds of the preview clip. How cool is that?
New visualizations has been added!
Under the Network tab, you can now view photo RSS feeds. That means you can view RSS flickr photo feeds on your PSP.
OPML is also now supported!

Hidden Menus.... Explained

2008-01-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

There are 2 hidden menus that you must know about:

When the PSP is on press and hold down the "Select" button for 3 seconds. When you release the button a special menu will appear allowing you to change settings. Make the changes and select "Exit" No Reboot required!
Power down the PSP by holding the power switch up for 6 seconds, then let go and leave the PSP for 4 seconds while it shuts down. After it has shut down, hold down the right trigger button, the one on the top right of the PSP made of clear plastic! While holding down the right trigger, slide the power switch up. You might want to use your other hand for this. The recovery console will load. You can release the right trigger after the recover console appear. Make changes here and select "Back" and "Exit". The PSP will reboot normally with the new settings.

How to Download Open Source and Creative Commons licenced material

2008-01-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

Sources for Open source content and creative commons material:

Sourceforge
Slashdot

Site like:

Shareprovider.com
thepiratebay.org

Are also good sources of open source and creative commons licensed content. But beware there may commercial games, movies, and music on these sites. Do not download such items, you can report items you suspect on both these sites.

If you are a Windows user I'd recommend that you

Do not use Internet explorer as many search may take you fake sites that ask for money for open source software and install spyware.
Use Firefox with the Ad Block extension to suppress ads, and sign for an account. Accounts on all these sites are free.
If you want to find a program that is open source enter the name into a search engine like Google "PSP Radio torrent" will locate PSP radio files or "Bookr PSP" will take you to the Bookr home page on source forge. Bookr is a native PSP PDF viewer.

Downloading Content - Keep it Legal!

2008-01-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

P2P Information

Ok let's get this straight P2P is not illegal. Any technology can be used for illegal uses including P2P. If you download commercial games, music, video that are not for download that is illegal. BUT there is lots of content release for free download, e.g. under one of the many creative commons licences this includes shows and music.

I'd recommend "Steal this Movie II" on the Pirate bay and excellent programme with interview from Law professors and the head of the MPAA. Excellent and authoritative.

Also software release under the GPL, like most homebrew and many of the applications in this post CAN BE LEGALLY DOWNLOADED AND USED WITHOUT PAYMENT.

Things you will beed for P2P:

IP Blocker stops legitimate P2P applications from connecting to bad sites (Governments, RIAA, etc) to prevent spam cease an desist letters to ISP et al http://phoenixlabs.org/pg2/
The best bittorent client by far, faster than anything else, very reliable, low CPU hit. http://azureus.sourceforge.net/ P2P is completely legal for approved use that does not infringe copyright. For example I get my daily IT news from http://slashdotreview.com/ using their bit torrent feed. http://content.downloadradio.org/sdr-rss.xml P2P use is not consistent with TCC networks due to bandwidth considerations, but might be considered for home network use. Another P2P tools is http://www.emule-project.net/home/perl/general.cgi?l=1 again only for use of content that can be freely downloaded: Non infringing use.
Make sure if you use sites like www.shareprovider.com there may be links to files that are not suitable for downloading. The same is true for the Piratesbay (This is good for PSP homebrew apps, do not download all the ISO or CSO files here that are commercial games, only download the homebrew applications released under the GPL. Other sites for content include Slashdot review and DL.TV
To catch shows automatically (Mp3, Ogg and Video) I use http://juicereceiver.sourceforge.net/index.php install add your feeds and it will catch new show as they appear. My favourite IT TV show is http://dl.tv/ and TechZilla good coverage on HDTV (e.g. http://www.dl.tv/hdtv_special/) I get all the content as DivX/Xvid as this seems to work on anything other formats on the site. Remember use PSP Video 9 to convert this legal content to PSP format.
Oh and if you need a player for any content just go to: http://www.videolan.org/vlc/ I'm yet to find something that output better sound and video, even works on portables, built in codecs, Install and go, no spyware or DRM infections. Avoid Microsoft Medial player and Apple iTunes / Quicktime. VLC Player is all you need.

UMD

2008-01-03T08:49:00.000-08:00

UMD disk are the disks used on a PSP for games and movies

To rip a UMD
Before you start you need

PC/MAC
USB cable for the PSP
a UMD Disk in the drive the one you want to RIP
Also on the PSP hold down the SELECT Key on the menu set the USB device to UMD Drive, then select EXIT

Connect the PSP to a PC or MAC with a USB cable, select USB on the PSP Menu to connect to the PC
Open the PSP drive you will see an ISO file
Copy this ISO to your PC/MAC

You can copy this file to the memory stick and play the game or movie and is covered in the following section.

Using CSO or ISO files for Games
Before you start you need

PC/MAC
USB cable for the PSP
For playing UMD ISO Rip movies only you need any UMD disk
Also on the PSP hold down the SELECT Key on the menu set the USB device to memory stick, then select EXIT

Connect the PSP to a PC or MAC with a USB cable, select USB on the PSP Menu to connect to the PC
Create a folder call ISO off the root directory of the memory stick
Copy your ISO and CSO files into the \ISO directory on the memory stick
Select Games, Memory stick and the titles will appear press X to play

Games go in: \ISO (These can be ISO or CSO)
UMD Videos go in \ISO\VIDEO and must only be ISO files (UMD ISOs are about 1.4gig)
Converted AVIs etc go in \VIDEO

Using CSO or ISO files for UMD Movies
Before you start you need

PC/MAC
USB cable for the PSP
Any UMD disk installed in the PSP
Also on the PSP hold down the SELECT Key on the menu set the USB device to memory stick, then select EXIT

Connect the PSP to a PC or MAC with a USB cable, select USB on the PSP Menu to connect to the PC
Create a folder called ISO\VIDEO off the root directory of the memory stick
Copy your ISO and CSO files into the \ISO\VIDEO\ directory on the memory stick
UMD Movies (must be .ISO not .CSO) and these must be in: \ISO\VIDEO Hold the Select key and select Mount UMD Video and select the files from your\ISO\VIDEO that appear, then select Exit Remember you will also need any UMD disk in the drive to watch movies. The Movie will appear under the UMD menu after 3 seconds or so.

UMD Videos go in \ISO\VIDEO and must only be ISO files (UMD ISOs are about 1.4gig)
Converted AVIs etc go in \VIDEO and are not the same as UMD ISO movies

UMD Gen lets you convert ISO to CSO which are small. Only works for games not movies.
http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=downloads&filter=psp&categoryid=113

To convert video (AVI etc ) use PSP Video 9 this is a free download, install Kerio Firewall and block PSPVideo 9 access to the internet to kill the ads.
http://www.pspvideo9.com/

YouTube on the PSP

2008-01-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

The program to watch you tube on the PSP is called PSPtube.

If running firmware 1.00, copy the 100 folder to X:/PSP/GAME on the memory stick.
If running firmware 1.50, copy the 150 folder to X:/PSP/GAME on the memory stick.
If running firmware 3.40 OE, copy the 200over folder to X:/PSP/GAME340 on the memory stick.
If running firmware 3.52 M33, copy the 200over folder to X:/PSP/GAME352 on the memory stick.
If running firmware 3.57 M33, copy the 200over folder to X:/PSP/GAME357 on the memory stick.

You do NOT need a developer account on YouTube any more just install the program and that is it, you can record, search, add to favourites, and just watch videos.

The controls are:

X=select
O=back
^=back
⌂= no function
Start=Pause
Select+screen size

PSP Advancement

2008-01-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

The PSP is a very power portable games console. It has Wifi, a great screen and some fantastic opportunities are possible:

Playing games and movies,
listening to internet Radio,
watching YouTube live or recorded,
even viewing PDF files (no convertions just copy the PDFs to your PSP!

Best of all much of this software is licensed under the GPL so is freely downloadable without charge, and is 100% legal.