New Motherboards

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?

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.

Extra Screens & Network Updates

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

The main screen is visible 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 enough 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!