One of the great things about the PSP is the awesome ability to use a web browser at any wifi spot you encounter. Well sometimes I want to see Youtube content to a freind but the PSP has a VERY old version of flash and because of this Youtube does not work under normal circumstances.

Now there is a way to view all you favorite Youtube videos on the go. A new site that has launched, and is still in beta actually, is set to make thing alot easier for the PSP user.

The only drawback is that you still need a PC to do this, yeah I know it sucks, but it is a step in the right direction.

Here is how to watch all you favorite YouTube vids on the go.

1. Find a video you want to watch, in this case I will point to a video I made of me playing Outrun 2006 on a dual monitor setup direct feed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTkazvfVtLk (yes I know I suck LOL)
2. Go to http://vixy.net/ and copy and paste the URL (web address) into the provided space
3. Select the mp4 format (iPod/PSP)
4. Hit the convert button and wait for the conversion to take place
5. when it is done you will be taken to a download page, but the PSP can not download these videos with the URLs this site spits out, so we use a trick go to http://lix.in/ and copy and paste the download link into the space provided, you can’t miss it… no I mean it, and hit “Protect Link”
6. you now have a short PSP freindly url you can use on the PSP web browser to download the newly converted video
7. click all links needed to get back to the download page and hit save on the PSP and then make sure you save to the /VIDEO folder of your PSP
8. after a bit of a download your video is now on you PSP memory stick ready to watch anywhere you take you psp to

Enjoy your new ability to take Youtube with you on your PSP

One of the biggest if not THE BIGGEST development in the PSP hacking scene has just unfolded. A collective group of hackers including the likes of Dark_Alex, Noobz and Booster have released a new piece of software which will replicate the exact functions of Sony’s Jigkick battery (even better) - that means it is now possible for homebrew enabled PSP’s to UNBRICK and DOWNGRADE their systems at their own will. The respective software will transform any regular PSP battery into one which can perform all the functions of the Official Sony JigKick which is used by Sony repair staff themselves. Even if your PSP is not homebrew enabled, you can just ask a friend who has a homebrew enabled PSP to run the software and transform your battery too! Read more on the software at the official release thread as launched by legendary hacker Dark_Alex HERE. Spread the word and DIGG THIS! And on a FINAL note, while the team is a bit too proud to apply pressure for DONATIONS, just do it even if it is just a dollar - ig390@msn.com via PAYPAL (Authorized by Dark_Alex, Noobz and all on the C+D development team).

Read More/Download: here

It has been announced that Sony Corp. will launch a slimmer model of its PlayStation Portable handheld game player in September, in its latest attempt to ignite demand for its game hardware and compete better with Nintendo Co. Ltd.

Both Sony and Nintendo released their handheld gear, the PSP and DS, respectively, late in 2004, but sales of the PSP, which can play movies, music and games, have recently been outshined by the DS.

“From a distance, this PSP might not look very different from the current model … but when you have it in your hand, the difference becomes quite clear,” Sony Computer Entertainment Chief Executive Kazuo Hirai said. “It’s actually 33 percent lighter than the current PSP. It’s also 19 percent slimmer.”

Hirai, who replaced Ken Kutaragi, known as the “Father of PlayStation,” as head of Sony’s game division earlier this year, made the PSP announcement during a presentation at the E3 video game exposition, the industry’s biggest event.

Nintendo sold 23.6 million DS units in the year ended March 2007, outpacing PSP shipments of 8.4 million.

Underlining its lead both in the console and handheld markets, Nintendo last month zipped past Sony in market value and bumped the Tokyo-based electronics conglomerate off the list of Japan’s 10 most valuable companies.

A Sony spokeswoman said the slimmer PSP would retail for about $170, the same as the current PSP. Nintendo’s newest DS model, the DS Lite, sells for $130.

Like Sony, Nintendo last year launched the lighter version of the DS, accelerating already white-hot demand for the handset. The DS Lite has two screens, opens like a book and allows gamers to control play with a stylus, instead of manipulating a keypad.

Nintendo executives said on Wednesday that portable sales made up 50 percent of its hardware sales in 2006, compared with just 30 percent in 2002.

PRICE CUT

On the console side of its game business, Sony this week cut the U.S. price of its PlayStation 3 by $100 after seeing the PS3 far outsold by Nintendo’s Wii.

“This new price went into effect on Monday. Since then sales of 60-gigabyte PS3 have doubled at top five retailers,” Jack Tretton, chief executive of Sony Computer Entertainment America, said during the E3 presentation.

Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox 360 and the Wii have outsold the PS3 by several times in the crucial U.S. market, leaving Sony, which has dominated the game industry over the past decade, in the unfamiliar position of playing catch up.

Its high price and scarcity of attractive titles have been cited as main reasons for the PS3′ slow start.

Even after the price cut, the PS3 costs $20 more than the most expensive version of the Xbox 360, and twice that of the Wii, whose $250 price and motion-sensing controller have made it a best-seller despite its lack of life-like graphics.

In a bid to send a message that strong PS3 titles are in the pipeline, Sony showcased some 50 upcoming games at the presentation, including the latest installments of blockbuster fighting game “Metal Gear Solid” from Konami Corp.  and popular in-house racing title “Gran Turismo.”

During the presentation, it was indicated that “Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots” will not be available until early 2008, giving hard-core gamers one fewer reasons to rush to store shelves.

Following the announcement, shares in Sony were up 0.3 percent at 6,350 yen by midday on Thursday, roughly in line with the benchmark Nikkei average.

The Following guide is for newcomers to the PSP and is to give you as much knowledge as needed to use the PSP

NOTE: Please refer to your PSP Manual for detailed instructions for playing UMD-related games/music/videos as well as Music/Videos on your Memory Stick.

Background of Sony in Handheld Market:

The PSP (Playstation Portable) is Sony’s first handheld gaming device. Sony has created many handhelds before, but not in the gaming industry. Sony’s most popular line of handhelds are the Sony Cliés. Sony Cliés are a Palm-powered handheld and vary in many different handheld structures. Sony isn’t new to handhelds, but they are new to the famous industry of “handheld gaming”.

The PSP Unit

The Playstation Portable is what many refer to as the PSP. The PSP has the greatest graphics of any current handheld. The graphics are comparable to the PS2. Although it is not as powerful (graphics-wise) as the PS2, it yields better graphics than the PSOne, partly due to the smaller screen size. The PSP offers less buttons than the first Playstation Dual Shock Controller (Missing buttons include: L2, R2, and the Right Analog stick), but it does offer many more features than the PSOne had to offer. The PSP is slightly larger than the Nintendo DS and other handhelds in thickness, but the screen makes up for this. With a screen of 480×272 pixels, this screen is the largest handheld screen to date. The US price for the Sony PSP is retailed at 250$.

Firmware

The most important part of the PSP is its firmware. Many owners refer to the firmware as the PSP’s OS (operating system) or BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). The firmware of the PSP is located in the PSP itself and not on your memory stick. The firmware on the PSP is replaceable/ upgradeable. Sony issues updates to the firmware every few months and adds new features. With these new features usually come security updates. These security improvements fix up holes in the firmware that may be accessible to the user. Sony does not like homebrew due to the piracy of UMD games on the memory stick and would stop it at almost any cost (Piracy/Isos/Loaders are discussed in a few sections below).
The Updates are downloadable on Sony’s PSP website (Playstation.com) and only allows you to download the latest update. Once you have the update downloaded, move it to your PSP/Game/UPDATE folder (the eboot file) and it shall update your PSP. Once installed (the update) you can delete it from your memory stick

1.0 Firmware:

The first firmware version that was installed on a PSP is firmware version 1.0 (Japanese PSP’s only). This firmware version was pre-installed on the first PSP’s released. The 1.0 firmware is unable to be downloaded since it was never released as an update. You can find various dumps of the firmware, but these dumps are not complete. (Dumps are basically files from the 1.0 firmware that were dumped onto the memory stick). The 1.0 firmware allowed for unsigned code to be ran on the PSP, and all that was required was an eboot.pbp compiled file. This file was run straight from the PSP/Game folder located on the memory stick. (Homebrew code is described in the section: Memory Stick located under Games on the PSP)
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1.5 Firmware:

This firmware was the first update to the Sony PSP in Japan. This version was also pre-installed on the US PSP release. This update changes from 1.0 JP to 1.5 JP include: Support for German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese and Russian language options on the PSP menu (it will not affect in-game menus), a setting to retain the screen mode on videos, and a quick-resume function to resume playback of audio and video after coming out of the PSP’s sleep mode (it won’t automatically keep playing the media file, but you can jump right into the track or movie exactly where you left off before sleeping.) Download the 1.5 update here: [Click Here to download] This update, however, did not allow for the execution of eboot.pbp files from the memory stick like the 1.0 firmware did

After a few months of the US PSP release there were rumors of people finding a way to run homebrew on this new 1.5 firmware. Many did not believe this at first, but a few days later, on June 15th, they had to. You can find this news-breaking coverage at the following link: [Click here to view the PSPUpdates.QJ.Net Article] Two days after this hack of the 1.5 firmware, a safer exploit was produced. The previous exploit required two memory sticks that you switched once the PSP booted the split eboot (The file is split using the KXploit program that PSP-Dev created.). The new method does not require this and only requires the original MS1 folder contain a % at the end and the second folder to remain the same name. This was a major accomplishment.

To find out how to install these 1.5 homebrew, please read below for further instructions.
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1.51 Firmware

The second update for Japanese PSP’s (first for the US) was the 1.51 update. Update changes: The new Firmware update fixes various security issues in the PSP’s v1.0 firmware which effectively fills holes to stop unsigned code from being executed.

As stated above, this new firmware does not allow for unassigned code to be run on the PSP (same as 1.5 but with heightened security). At the current time homebrew code is unable to be ran on this firmware; read the section on 2.0.
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1.52 Firmware

The third update for JP PSP’s (2nd for US) was the 1.52 update. Update changes include: UMD Music to be run from the main menu and higher security.
Once again, homebrew can not be run on this firmware version; read the section on 2.0.
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2.0 Firmware

This is Sony’s first major update to their Sony Playstation Portable. There have been numerous changes in this version and all are very significant.

Update: 2.0 PSP’s can now run homebrew This is done by updating to the 2.0 firmware and then using Fanjita’s eLoader or downgrading to 1.5 via the MPH downgrading method.

For a list of all the changes and any question that you might have, please go to [this link]I have compiled this complete guide for the 2.0 firmware that lists all its features and includes a large…a very large FAQ section on the new firmware.
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2.01 Firmware

This is Sony’s response to the overflow exploit found in 2.0. Aside from this “security patch,” nothing else was added to this firmware package.

Update: 2.01 PSP’s can now run homebrew using Fanjita’s eLoader.
Update: 2.01 PSP’s can now be downgraded using the noobz downgrader.

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2.50 Firmware

This firmware version was released only a few days after the 2.01 firmware patch was released. This contains a new major addition (Location Free Technology) and other small changes.

Update: 2.50 PSP’s can now run homebrew using Fanjita’s eLoader.
[UPDATE July 1 2006] At this point in time, --escaped_anchor:f1639ce01788f26dcc790ebce9ba5edb--

Updated parts of the firmware include:
--escaped_anchor:a65dae2b1db3e6b304e6335e877bbc87--

• [--escaped_anchor:f8a43017cfb954313ebea0c27dab9a02--] has been added as a feature under [Network].
• [Auto-Select] and [Unicode (UTF-8)] have been added as options to [Encoding] under [View] in the [Internet Browser] menu bar.
• Settings for [Text Size] and [Display Mode] in [Internet Browser] can now be saved.
• --escaped_anchor:ea2aaa6393400215e429370dc5b307d1-- accessed through [Internet Browser] can now be saved.

--escaped_anchor:dd1fdb9369c87fdf6f0e962dcb36b491--

• Copyright-protected video can now be played under [Video].
  • (This applies to video saved on Memory Stick Duo* media).
  • For details, contact the video content provider.
  • Note that fees may be charged to obtain or use copyright-protected video.
  • Downloadable copyright-protected video may not be available in all countries

  and regions.

--escaped_anchor:1808d10fa46564c2a0d7dfad773efa61--

• [--escaped_anchor:c36b592707b869629b821a62fcc3109f--] has been added as an option to [Date and Time] in [Date & Time Settings] under [Settings].
• [WPA-PSK (AES)] has been added as a security method under [Network Settings].

--escaped_anchor:1b6797fa4260e1238b961bbb5a899beb--

• Korean input mode has been added to the on-screen keyboard.

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2.60 Firmware

This firmware version was released on November 29th, 2005.

Update: 2.60 PSP’s can now run homebrew using Fanjita’s --escaped_anchor:515eff8e01e0f42ede5e35caae0541b8--.
[UPDATE July 1 2006] At this point in time, --escaped_anchor:1772684b5a018847c13831084192eab6--

Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [RSS Channel] has been added as a feature under [Network].
• [Simplified Chinese (GB18030)] and [Tradition Chinese (Big5)] have been added as options to [Encoding] under [View] in the [Internet Browser] menu bar. (Characters may be indistinct in some cases when these encoding options are selected.)
• [Volume Adjustment] has been added as a feature to [LocationFree Player]
• You can now download video data that supports copyright protection using the [Internet Browser].
• WMA has been added as a codec that can be played under [Music]. (This applies to music data saved on your Memory Stick.) Note: You must adjust a system setting to enable playback of WMA format music data. A connection to the internet is required to adjust the setting.

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2.70 Firmware

This firmware version was released on April 25th, 2006. At this point in time you cannot downgrade or play homebrew on a 2.70 PSP! read the section on 2.71.

Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [Internet Browser] now supports Macromedia Flash contents playback.
• You need to enable the Flash contents playback in the [System Settings].
• The version of the flash player is Macromedia Flash Player 6 (a part of the functions is not supported).
• The settings of the [Internet Browser] is added into Settings]
• The audio contents from channels in the [RSS Channel] section now can be saved into your memory stick.
• [Auto] option added to [Rate Change] in [Location Free Player].
• [Music] Added file extension to playable AAC format.
• Added [Enable Flash Player] in [System Settings]. To change this option, you need to connect to the internet.
• “Simplified Chinese” and “Traditional Chinese” added to System Settings].
• Added [RSS Channel Settings].
• Added [UMD Video L & R Button] into [Video Settings].
• Fixed some issues when using a memory stick with more than 2GB free space. This problem has not happened among the memory sticks sold in Japan until April 24.

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2.71 Firmware

This firmware version was released on June 01st, 2006.

Update:you can downgrade, or play homebrew (Homebrew Enabler or eLoader) on a 2.71 PSP!

Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [Internet Browser] can now be used to download demo version of games to memory stick.
• [LocationFree Player] now displays correct image when selecting the external tuner.
  • This affects users using LocationFree base station model LF-B1 (North America/Taiwan/Korea model) and LF-X11 (North America model). To know your hardware model number, just check you user manual.
  • LocationFree base station models for Japan/Europe are not affected.
• The icon “Goto Network Service” has been added into the “Network” column.

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2.80 Firmware

This firmware version was released on July 27th, 2006.

[UPDATE NOV 15 2006]: 2.80 PSP’s can now run usermode homebrew using the latest eLoader.
[UPDATE DEC 23 2006]: 2.80 PSP’s with TA-079 to TA-081 motherboards can now be downgraded.
[UPDATE JAN 03 2007]: FW2.80 DownDate to FW2.71 for TA-082~086 PSP.

Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [RSS Channel] You can now download video and image content.
• [Location Free Player] You can now register devices via a wireless LAN access point.
• [Music] You can now play AAC files with the .3gp file extension.
• [Settings] [Automatic] has been added as an option under [Network Settings] > [Infrastructure Mode]. Select this option when using an access point that supports automatic setup.

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2.81 Firmware

This firmware version was released on September 7th, 2006. At this point in time you cannot downgrade or play homebrew on a 2.81 PSP!(UPDATE: see 3.03 section below)

Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [Security Patch] A patch has been added to address a security vulnerability in the system software. Namely, to block the libtiff exploit.
• [Memory Stick] The ability for the PSP to correctly recognize high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo* with more than 4 GB of free (recordable) memory space.
• [Other] Support for the playback of content stored in [MUSIC], [PICTURE] and [VIDEO] folders at the root level of Memory Stick Duo* media has been added.

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2.82 Firmware

This firmware version was released on October 26th, 2006. At this point in time you cannot downgrade or play homebrew on a 2.82 PSP!(UPDATE: see 3.03 section below)

Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [Security Patch] Added security strengthening revisions. Details unknown.

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3.00 Firmware

This firmware version was released on November 20th, 2006. At this point in time you cannot downgrade or play homebrew on a 3.00 PSP!(UPDATE: see 3.03 section below)

Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [Network Remote Play] Remote play is a new feature in Firmware 3.00 that allows you to remotely control your PlayStation 3 from your PSP. This also includes the display of PS3 content on the PSP. “You can display a PLAYSTATION®3 system screen on a PSP* system and play content that is on the PS3* system. To use this feature, you must adjust the necessary settings on the PSP* system and the PS3* system.” Using this new mode of playback, one can control the Photo, Music, Video, and Internet Browser features of the PlayStation 3 from a remote location via their Playstation Portable.
• [Video Compatibility] In this updated version of the Playstation Portable firmware, you are also able to play a few new video formats. The Motion JPEG format (M-JPEG), is an “informal name for multimedia formats where each video frame or interlaced field of a digital video sequence is separately compressed as a JPEG image” (Wikipedia). The PlayStation Portable plays both the Linear PCM and the ?-Law versions of the Motion JPEG video format. In addition, you will now be able to access the Camera (functionality) from the photo option menus, for quicker easier access when taking photos or video. Another nifty function is the ability to finally turn off Auto Play for inserted UMD Discs via UMD Auto Boot.
• [PS1Games] Here’s the big tip you’ve been waiting for. Finally, Sony is going to drop their highly anticipated PlayStation One emulator onto the PSP. From the manual however, there seems to be a unavoidable catch. If you don’t have a PS3, your not going to be enjoying PlayStation One games emulating on Sony’s PlayStation One emulator for PSP anytime soon. From the manual it states that you must connect to the Playstation Online store with your PSP connected to the PlayStation 3 in order to download and play the games. In addition, they mention that you can in fact share the games, but you must activate the other system in the Friends menu as a PS3 Network Account.

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3.01 Firmware

This firmware version was released on November 21th, 2006. At this point in time you cannot downgrade or play homebrew on a 3.01 PSP!(UPDATE: see 3.03 section below)

Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [Bug/Issue correction] Fixed an issue found within the title: Jeanne d’Arc.
• [Security Patch] Added security strengthening revisions. Details unknown.

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3.02 Firmware

This firmware version was released on December 5th, 2006. At this point in time you cannot downgrade or play homebrew on a 3.02 PSP! (UPDATE: see 3.03 section below)

Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [Security Patch] Added security strengthening revisions. Details unknown.

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3.03 Firmware

This firmware version was released on December 19th, 2006.

[UPDATE] As of January 28th, 2007 3.03 Firmware can be downgraded using the GTA exploit.
[UPDATE] As of January 28th, 2007, Homebrew Enabler is now supported using the GTA exploit to run homebrew on 3.03.

Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [The PLAYSTATION Network] Titles which can be played from the PSN have been increased.

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3.10 Firmware

This firmware version was released on January 30th, 2007. At this point in time you cannot downgrade or play homebrew on a 3.10 PSP!

Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [The PLAYSTATION Network] Network tie frames and the function for was strengthened.
• [LOCATION FREE]Function to record MPEG-4 AVC from LocationFree Player. Model LF-PK20 (Japan) or LF-B20 and LF-B10 (United States) LocationFree base stations are required for this.
• [SETTINGS] Memory economy function added to Web Browser settings. When using the Web Browser, it uses less memory. However, picture quality decreases.
• [SETTINGS] Dynamic normalizer function added in Sound settings.
• [DYNAMIC VOLUMIZER] The volume level for playing music is regulated.

Undocumented updates to PSone/PS1 emulator settings:

• Added [Assign Controller Ports]
• Added A “Zoom” Screen Mode
• Added [Black Level Adjustment]
• Added [Volume Adjustment]
• Added Support For PAL Games

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3.11 Firmware

This firmware version was released on February 7th, 2007. At this point in time you cannot downgrade or play homebrew on a 3.11 PSP!

Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [The PLAYSTATION Network] This update fixes the freezing bug found in the downloadable-for-PSP title R-Type.

Undocumented updates to PSone/PS1 emulator settings:

• [Reset Game] feature

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3.30 Firmware

This firmware version was released on March 28th, 2007. At this point in time you cannot downgrade or play homebrew on a 3.30 PSP!
Updated parts of the firmware include:

• [The PLAYSTATION Network] Expanded support for PlayStation Network-downloaded PSOne games.
• [RSS Channel] Support for thumbnail images of items has been added under.
• [Video] Support for thumbnail images of videos that are stored in the “VIDEO” folder of Memory Stick Duo* media has been added.
• [Video] Added Playback of MPEG-4/H.264 AVC Main Profile (AVC CABAC) video files of the following sizes: 720 X 480, 352 X 480, or 480 X 272
• [Network Settings][Use Wireless Hotspot] has been added as a feature under

The Memory Stick

The memory stick/storage that the PSP uses to save saved game files is called the Memory Stick Pro Duo (The regular Memory Stick Pro will work, but it will stick out of your PSP since it is much larger in length). This flash media format was created by Sony for use with their handhelds (Including their PDAs and Ericsson phones). The MSPD varies in allowable size. The maximum storage size of these memory sticks at the current time is 2 gigabytes (bigger than the UMD’s allowed size). The memory stick can be used to play movies, save game files and play music on your PSP (able to play games on select firmware versions of 1.0/1.5).

Important: When you first obtain your memory stick you must format it using your PSP. To format it, please go to system settings and select format memory stick. Formatting will erase all data on your memory stick. Be aware that due to discrepancies in calculations used by memory and hard drive manufacturers, as well as formatting requirements, means that your actual, useable space will appear smaller than the listed size of the memory stick. This is normal.

Games on the PSP:

UMD:

The main way of playing games on the PSP is via the UMD disc. This disc is the game format that is playable on the PSP. UMD’s can not be burned or copied as there is no way to do this via regular hardware. These discs hold up to 1.8 gigabytes (that is approx. 1,800mbs). To play games that are on the UMD: Read the instruction booklet that came with your PSP. Just insert the UMD game that you bought and scroll over to the Games section of your PSP’s “OS” and click X. This will launch the game and you will then be able to play games J

Memory Stick (Can only be used on 1.5/1.0/Custom firmware version PSP’s)

The second way of playing games on the PSP is via the memory stick. Like gaming consoles, save game files are stored on memory cards/sticks (this is the same with the PSP). The memory stick is both versatile and user-friendly. The only games that can currently be played on the PSP via the memory stick are made by PSP owners and licensed game companies. These games that can be run off of the memory stick are referred to as homebrew. Homebrew is any application that is made at home All of the current PSP emulators, PSP games and such that run off of the memory stick are called homebrew. The installation of these games can be found in the Installation of Homebrew section. Recently, Sony has released several game demos, such as LocoRoco. These games require higher firmwares, and are available at dl.qj.net

What is Homebrew?

According to google, hombrew is: Homebrew video games are video games written by hobby programmers. Homebrew can be thought as games for the PC that are refered to as Freeware. Homebrew shares the same general concept: be free, be fun. Some examples of hombrew games for the PSP include: Squarez , Various emulators (eg. SNES TYL is a SNES emulator) and other homebrew applications.
Emulators are basically: An emulator, in the most general sense, duplicates (provide an emulation of) the functions of one system with a different system, so that the second system appears to behave like the first system. (Contrast with simulation). ROM files are the “games” that are emulated on the system and are universal in a way with all emulators of that console/unit.


Music on the PSP:

UMD:

With the Playstation Portable Handheld and the UMD format disc, users are able to place Music UMDs that they buy and play the music on their Playstation Portable. To play UMD Music:

1.)Buy a Music UMD
2.)Open up the package and take the UMD out of its case (remove according to manual instructions as removing in a different way then told may damage the disk
3.)Place it in your PSP (disc side forward facing the laser)
4.)Close the disc draw and go and select UMD from the Music menu and enjoy
5.) Please be sure you have the proper firmware before purchasing the UMD music or opening its package.

Memory Stick:

One of the most used aspects of the PSP, besides its games, is its ability to play music on your Memory Stick Pro Duo. The PSP will only play a select few formats (types of music) on the system with the firmware. As firmware updates come, we might see support for different/new types as well.
Here’s a list of supported song formats for each firmware:

1.0/1.5/1.51/1.52: MP3 and Atrac3 and Atrac3 Plus

2.0: MP3, Atrac3, MP4 and Atrac3 Plus (Atrac formats only work with 2.0 on Pro Duo sticks)

For information on how to convert to these formats, please visit [here] and download Sonic Stage and follow the necessary instructions (if it asks you to update your PSP, do not!)
Place songs that have been converted in the PSP/Music folder

Videos/Movies on the PSP:

UMD:

UMD videos (also known as movies) can be played on your PSP. These movies are purchasable at almost any store that sells DVD’s. These UMD Videos contain full-length movies with a possibility of extras as well. To play the UMD Movies/Videos: Follow the same steps as with the UMD Music except select the UMD from the Video menu.

Note: Most movies are region-coded. This means that in certain countries, if you imported your PSP you will be unable to play your country’s movies. JP and EU (European) share the same region code but the US shares a different region code.

UMD Movie prices have been found to vary widely in range. Shop around for the best price.

Memory Stick:

The memory stick also allows movies/videos to be played via the PSP. At the moment only a few formats are supported and they are listed below.

Supported formats: MPEG4 (all firmware), AVC (requires 2.0+)

To convert videos to MPEG4 format, I would suggest downloading: PSP Movie Creator and then download PSP Video9 to encode/format for AVC/MPEG4.

Install MP4 videos in the: MP_ROOT folder (F:/MP_ROOT).

AVC videos go in the 100ANV01 folder, in the format MAQxxxxx.MP4 i.e MAQ10018.mp4

MPEG4 go into the 100MNV01 folder in the normal way.

Homebrew Installation
Read more here

Misc. Homebrew Questions (Commonly Asked Questions)

1.) What is fileassistant?
File assistant is a homebrew application for 1.0/1.5 PSP’s that allows you to view the contents of your memory stick and allows you to delete, copy and paste files and folders on your memory stick. This program can also view some internal PSP files and can run ISOs (some) and flash the firmware with files.
2.) —More to be added at a later date–

Firmware Hacking/Cracking Section for “Noobs”

Possible methods of allowing homebrew on non-hacked firmware:
Downgrading:

Downgrading refers to the installation of a previous firmware version over your firmware. Basically it allows for users to literally un-update to a previous firmware. The only problem with this is that Sony’s Updates are encrypted and once edited they can not be viewed properly and we can not create our own updates. The PSP also recognizes your firmware and will tell you that you can not upgrade to a lower version. The only theoretical way to create a working downgrader is to:

A.) Somehow hack the Sony official updates (the ones that you want to downgrade to) and place the firmware number higher than your current firmware); this would require a way to modify an update without corruption which isn’t possible at the moment.

B.) Create an exploit that will skip security checks and firmware checks (ie: folder names, eboot splitting, file renames etc.)

At the current time it is only possible to downgrade 2.0, 2.01, 2.50, 2.60, 2.71 and 2.8 to 1.5.
Ultimate Downgrader Guide

Exploits (Cracking/Hacking)

All hardware is theoretically “hackable”. The PSP is of no exception. Sony has released many security updates with every firmware update and in doing so indirectly told us that the security on the previous firmware version was insufficient or “just not good enough”. It took a team of very skilled developers (PSP-Dev.1emulation.com) to crack the 1.5 firmware (the first PSP firmware to be actually exploited/cracked). An exploit is (Google definition): …a common term in the computer security community to refer to a piece of software that takes advantage of a bug, glitch or vulnerability, leading to privilege escalation or denial of service on a computer system.

This is the most logical way of being able to play homebrew (rather than downgrading) because it allows you to keep all the features of your current firmware and still be able to play homebrew. The PSP is one of the most secure handhelds ever made for a few reasons: The UMD format is only made by Sony (and can not be made any other way) and the security on the PSP is extremely high.

A possible exploit may be using the new 2.7 internet browser flash player and finding a bug in it. Once the bug is found, hackers could find ways of using it against the firmware security. This, though, is not very likely, but it may be possible if Sony rushed on the creation of the firmware. There is no guide to hacking a PSP, but it is more of a trial and error sort.

ISO Loaders/Memory Stick Launchers

What are they?

The two terms in the title of this section describes the execution of UMD files from the memory stick. These UMD files were obtained through a program executed on the 1.5 firmware and dumped the files onto your memory stick. Once dumped, with these programs, you are able to run the files without the UMD.

Where can I get the files to run them?

PSP Blender offers access to all files needed. Not only does PSP Blender offer access to loaders, they offer downloadable games, movies, music, and more!

The complete PSP glossary.

A

Ad-hoc: The network process of connecting one PSP directly to another

Atrac3 and Atrac3Plus: Sony’s format of music similar to mp3 and wma

AVC: AVC, or Advanced Video Codec is a brilliant codec that allows better quality video to be put into a smaller file
B

Bière d’Alsace: Fanjita’s eLoader 0.9.6 Was a big bugfix over 0.9.5

Booster: The creator of DevHook

Brick: To brick someone’s PSP, key flash modules must be overwritten. If your PSP is bricked, when you turn it on nothing will happen except the little green light will come on.

Bock: Fanjita’s eLoader 0.9.7, the most current release. Supports wifi

Brown Ale: Fanjita’s eLoader 0.9.5 The first eLoader not called eBOOT Loader, can load many EBOOTS for 2.01-2.60

Buffer Overflow: A Buffer overflow is where the PSP is told that somewhere there is 2 byte’s of information to read. If more information is forced then it will also be read without checks. Hopefully at least, this can lead to a loader making use of that overflow.

C

C/C++: C and C++ are two commonly used languages for the PSP, C++ is the most powerful, but C is easier. They are used in conjuction with the toolchain.

Cache: Where webpages are stored in temporary memory. Helps speed up page loading.

Cheatdevice: The first thing to utilize the GTA exploit by Edison Carter. This allows you to change many aspects of GTA:LCS

Coding: Coding is the act of making programs for the PSP. They may be make in a number of languages.

Coldboot: The short video that plays when you turn on your PSP

Custom Firmware: A custom firmware is a firmware mod made by a developer. These are most likely flashed to the PSP. These add funtionality to your PSP e.g Wlan switch down at boot, go straight to DevHook

D

Dark_Alex: The man dehind the 2.6-1.5 Downgrader, 1.5-1.0 Downgrader and custom firmwares

Decrypt: If you decrypt something then you remove all protection on it and can edit it freely

DevHook: Device Hook, or DevHook for short is a revolutionary piece of homebrew that allows you to emulat any firmware without actually installing it. I guide to getting DevHook working can be found here.

Digital Signature: See: Encryption Key

Directory: A directory is just the correct name for a folder.

Ditlew: Worked with Fanjita on the eLoader, the other half of the team

Downgrading: Downgrading is the process of going down a firmware or two. This may be done because the lower firmware has more homebrew games that work on it. Currently only firmwares 2.00, 2.50 & 2.60 can downgrade. If your PSP is a TA-082 downgrading won’t work.

E

EBOOT: EBOOT.PBP is what an application/game must be called to run on the PSP.

eLoader: The eLoader is a device that allows you to use downloaded games on firmware 2.00 and above. It does not work on 2.70+ You can download it from this link: http://dl.qj.net/Alternative-eLoader…5999/catid/114

Emulator: An emulator is something that effectively turn your PSP console into something else. It may allow you to play (illegal) ROM’s for an N64 or SNES or any other console.

Encrypt: The process of encoding information so it can’t be changed then used

Encryption Key: This is Sony’s personal 128 Bit Key. It is virtually uncrackable, however Sony use this to sign EBOOTS and make them run on any firmware.

Exploit: An exploit is a bug in Sony’s code that may hopefully lead to a buffer overflow or underflow which could lead to homebrew on that firmware.

F

Fanjita: The other half of the eLoader team

FAT: FAT, or FAT16, is the format used in the PSP’s memory sticks by default. Sadly it round any file less than 4kb up to 4kb, which isn’t very space conservative. FAT32 however doesn’t do this.

Firmware: Your PSP’s firmware is almost like OS, its upgrading every time. However Sony also put more effort in to stop homebrew every time.

Flash0: Stores highly important system stuff. Cannot restore itself

Flash1: Stores system settings and stuff such as your background. Can restore itself it you currupt something

Flash: (N) The Flash memory of your PSP, where important system settings and files are kept. (V) To flash a PSP means to add, delete or change content on the PSP

Flash Dump: An exact copy of a part or all of the PSP’s flash

Flash Player: PSP’s version 2.70 and above come with a version of Macromedia Flash Player 6

G

Gameboot: The short movie that plays between when you click a game and when it actually begins

Gigabyte: 1024 megabytes, which is 1024 kilobytes which is 1024 bytes

GTA Exploit: An exploit in GTA that allows it to run unsigned code. Unpatched versions ONLY!

GUI: Graphical User Interface

H

Hello World: The simple program thats used for testing exploits and whenever a programming/scripting language is created, Nem created the 1st PSP one (I think)

Hex Editor: A hex editor is basically used to take apart, well, anything. From editing menu names to changing your font loaction, a hex editor will do it.

Homebrew: Homebrew is any game or application not made by a company to make profit. Homebrew is generally free of charge.

I

IDE: Interactive Development Environment, one program that group things such as a tool chain, an editor etc…

Infrastructure Mods: Like Ad-hoc, but rather than connecting directly to another PSP this goes via an access point

IRdA: The PSPs infrared system. Used in remote control programs

ISO’s: ISO’s are against this site’s policy. They are games that have been directly ripped from the UMD and put on the internet for anyone to download. They are VERY illegal

ISO Loader: A program the lets you load iso’s

J

K

Kernel: Kernel is a specific part of the memory in any device, you PC will have kernel RAM also.
It controls access to more major system functions, but also if we use kernel RAM in an app we will have more RAM to work with.

KXploit: KXploit is the trick used to get homebrew to work on 1.5. I was initially done by swapping the memory sticks, but now it is done by adding a percent (%) sign to the end of a homebrew’s name.

L

LocationFree: A Sony device that lets you stream all of your media content, TV, Radio etc… to your PSP. Works only with version 2.50 and above (emulated or flashed)

Lua: Lua pronounced Loo-ah is a simple scripting language designed for entry level games and applications. You can download luaplayer v0.17DK2 (most compatible) here and v0.20 (most features) here. Note, I suggest v0.17DK2.

M

Makefile: Makefile must be used to actually turn your surce code into an EBOOT, this is used with the PSP Toolchain.

Memory Stick: The memory stick (or ms0) is the little card you insert into your PSP. This stores information such as songs etc…

Mips: A type of processor

Modchip: The modchip (most famously Undiluted Platinum) allows you to unbrick your PSP, dual-boot your PSP, upgrade/downgrade at will and has a very nice recovery mode. You can’t brick a modchip.

MP3: The most commonly used audio codec

MP4: The format the PSP uses as standard for a/v

MPH: The creator of the MPH 2.00 -> 1.50 Downgrader

N

NAND: The Flash Memory that the PSP uses is called NAND Flash

Nub: The Nub or Analog nub is just a fancy name for the Analog Stick
O

P

PAK: Almmost like zip, a collection of files needed to make a game run

Param.Sfo: This file contains information on the thing it is attached to (region etc.)

.PBP: The PSP’s form of .EXE

PMF: Sony’s game video format, it can only be encoded using the leaked Sony UMD composer Tools

PMP: A homebrew media format that can stream brilliant quality content to the PSP in full resoulution using PiMP Streamer

POC: POC, or Proof Of Concept it used by developers to show something works, generally created after an exploit

Port: The act of porting a game invoves making it run on a different console to what it what coded for, for example, you may port a PS2 game to work on the PSP

Portal: A shell that runs through the PSP’s web browser

Prx: A file that contains important system functions.

PSP:PlaystationPortable

Python: Python, like Lua, is an interpreted language that needs an interpretation EBOOT to run. You can download the interpreter here

Q

R

Resolution: The number of pixels on something’s screen. The PSP had 480 horizontally and 272 vertically, thats 130,560 altogether.

Ripkit: A program that takes unnecessary files out of an iso to make it smaller

Ripped: If something was ripped from a UMD it doesn’t mean it was torn, it means simply that an exact copy was made and saved to a computer.

ROM:1 A ROM is like an ISO, although it is not from a PSP game, you may have ROM’s for a GameBoy game etc… ROM’s are illegal.

ROM:2 ROM or Read Only Memory is the PSP’s memory stick, or your PC’s hard drive, where information is kept.

Root: The root of your memory stick is not a folder. It is just the memory stick’s contents before you have entered a folder.

S

Sdk: Software development kit, See Toolchain

Shell: An alternative OS for the PSP to replace the xmb

Sircs: Sony’s iR protocol, used in most Sony TV’s, the PS2 and the PSP

Sleep Mode: A form of the Windows ‘Hibernate’ for the PSP

T

TA-082: A motherboard version identifiable by writing on the top left hand side of the inside of the UMD Drive. These PSP’s are not downgradeable

Tiff Exploit: An exploit present only in 2.0 that allows unsigned code to run through a buffer overflow in the TIFF image loading code

Toolchain: The PSP Toolchain is run in cygwin and it automates the process of compiling EBOOTs

U

UMD: A UMD, or Universal Media Disk, it the disk in the plastic casing the the PSP uses. Currently only large games companies can write to these. A UMD Holds 1.8 gigabytes of stuff

Unsigned: If an EBOOT is unsigned then it doesn’t have Sony’s encryption key built into it. Unsigned EBOOT’s can only be run via exploits on firmwares above 1.0

Updating: Updating is the process of taking you PSP up a firmware. However above firmware 2.60 there is no homebrew and you cannot downgrade. 2.80 is the most recent firmware

USB: Universal Serial Bus, the most common way of connecting a portable device to a computer, the PSP has a USB mini-B port, for which you’ll need a USB mini-B cable

User Mode: User mode it often unlocked a long time before kernal mode. This allows you to run homebrew games and write to the flash but not to use kernal features. *

V

VRAM: Video RAM, RAM designated to graphics. Mainly found in computers

VSH: VSH is an abbreviation of Visual Shell

VSH Mode: The Mode that the XMB runs in, halfway between Kernal Mode and User Mode, gives flash access etc…

W

WAB: The creators of the WAB Version changer, one of the first kernal mode Eboots

WAD: See PAK

WEP: A bad network encryption format

Wifi: Wifi is the PSP’s wireless feature, it comes in two versions, ad-hoc and infrastructure

WLAN: A WLAN, or Wireless Loacal Area Network is a home or business network that runs from a wirless access point (router)

WMA: Windows Media Audio, the default windows format for audio. Can be used only on 2.6+ after enabling via the settings menu. Will not work below 2.6 (unless you are in DevHook)

WPA: Also known as TKIP, a network encryption protocol, safer than WEP

X
XMB: The XMB, or Cross media Bar is simply the PSP’s menu UI

Y
YoYoFR: The creator of the current most popular emulator Snes9x TYL
Z

ZX-81: The guy that has made loads of the emulators you probably use, including the calculator one and PSP-VBA

*It is a common misconception that User mode blocks flash0 writing, however that is what Sony did by making it read-only. It is however writable in kernel mode as we then change the permissions to writable.

Given that Sony invented portable music players with the creation of the original Walkman back in the 80s, it’s not going to come as a surprise to hear that its PSP handheld console will also play music for you on the go. All you need is a Memory Stick Duo to store MP3s on and a USB cable with a Mini-B type connector, both of which can be bought at your local home electronics or PC store. Your PSP will play both MP3s, which can be created by ripping the tracks from a regular audio CD using your PC and Microsoft Windows Media Player 10, and ATRAC3 audio files. Once transferred, you’ll be able to play games and music when you’re next out and about with your PSP!

If you’ve connected your PSP to your PC before, perhaps to transfer a movie or some digital photos, skip to step 4.

With your PSP turned off, insert the Memory Stick Duo into the Memory Stick slot on the left of the PSP console. Turn your PSP back on and go to the home screen and access the Settings. Scroll down to System Settings and press X.
Within the System Settings section, scroll down to Format Memory Stick and press X. Confirm that you want to format the Memory Stick Duo and wait for a few seconds while it takes place.
Once formatted, return to the Settings section at the home screen and scroll to USB Connection. Connect one end of the USB cable to your PC and the other to your PSP and then press X.
This will enable your PSP’s USB connection and, after your PC has loaded any drivers it needs (as long as you’re using Windows ME, 2000 or XP it’ll do this automatically), open My Computer on your PC’s desktop.
Double-click on the Removable Drive icon and then on the PSP folder. You’ll now see a selection of folders, one of which is called MUSIC. Open this folder by double-clicking on it with your mouse.
You can now save or drag and drop your music files into this folder, either individually or in their own sub-folder. Once itransferred, press O on your PSP and go to the Music icon on your PSP’s home screen and press X.

Official Sony freebies

You might be surprised to see what free goodness has the Sony brand stamped on it. From official movie clips to game demos, there’s a lot out there that they won’t charge you a penny for.

Playstation.Com Shop � Ape Escape and Killzone demos, WipEout Pure music downloads and a whole host of other freebies await in Sony’s main downloads base.

Sony Pictures � The home of Sony’s silver screen endeavours has plenty of PSP-formatted clips and wallpapers from a great lineup of films.

PSP Connect � A huge collection of films syndicated and formatted from all over the web � comedy, horror, animations and more.

Free films, music, TV and radio

Not everything has the Sony seal of approval, of course, and the PSP plays host to a number of great websites that give your PSP some sound and vision for free.

Atom Films � Free film downloads that are a little different to what you might find on Sony Pictures. Mini-documentaries and art-like montages are just a few of the movies available to download.

PSP Playlist � A movie archive of lighter, shorter clips, as well as some game and movie trailers you might not see elsewhere.

Heavy � A YouTube-like mix of strange films, popular clips and bizarre videos of cats. Some sponsored channels fill the site with some regular features, too.

FeedYourPSP � A magazine designed especially for the PSP, with interviews, short films and other extras available to download directly from their site.

BBC Online � Still experimenting with online content, the BBC have some shows offered as podcasts including regular newscasts, Radio 4’s The Now Show and many of Radio 1’s music programming.

Virgin Radio � Virgin Xtreme pushed a number of unsigned bands in their podcast, The Edge, which you can access online, but the podcast is set to return soon too.

Gratis graphic novels and e-books

The portable, digital nature of the PSP means that you can pack a lot of images and text onto a little stick and cart it around with you. Already many budding artists and authors are converting their work and making it available for free.

NYC2123 � One of the earliest comics the came to the PSP, the dark sci-fi plot and strong visual styling of NYC2123 are spread across six issues, all free and all PSP-sized.

Komikwerk � A collection of six comics, all with different plots and artists. The comics are syndicated from the main site’s collection.

Ctrl-Alt-Del � One of the web’s bigger comics born out of the gaming scene has been especially formatted for the tinier screens, with frequent updates and more freebies from the comic on the main site.

PSP Image Sequencer � If you want to add your name to the list of PSP Comic publishers, this handy application will help get images to display and package properly on the console.

Have it for nothing homebrew

To really squeeze the most out of the PSP without paying for it, you’ll need to get into homebrew, and open up your PSP so you can run home-coded applications on it. Some Pocket Gamers will already have got into the DS Homebrew scene, and PSP homebrew is just� as rich and varied.

The downside is you need to mess about with your firmware to run homebrew, which is not to be done lightly and can impede your ability to play new games. The good bit? Most homebrew coders offer up their efforts for nothing.

WorldView � A Google Earth-like map browser, whose beta PSP version is now available online.

iPSP � Superb media management software for both Mac and Windows platforms, which help organise and update media on your PSP, as well as making running homebrew applications even easier.

ZX-81 � A prolific coder who’s written everything from a scientific calculator to a game of Mancala.

YAHP � Yet Another Homebrew Pack includes a huge collection of emulators, from full platforms such as the SNES down to individual games like Doom.

PSP Rhythm � “A complete music workstation in the palm of your hand” � a neat music-creation package with an impressive collection of features.

Webserve � Quick and easy filesharing between PSPs or your PC. There’s no security on the connection in the current build, but it’s an easy way to manage your PC with your PSP.

PSPRadio � With a dedicated team coding and supporting it, PSPRadio is well-updated and continues to support a great range of web-based radio.

SimpleAmp � Streamlined and stable music playing and management on the PSP.

Java4PSP � A co-operative project set on bringing the Java Micro Edition platform in its entirety to the PSP.

Hacking Wireless Networks With The PSP
Is the PSP spurring a new generation of safety concerns?
August 24th, 2006
By Robert A.

One doesn’t often associate a child bearing a portable gaming console as a potential hacker, or, worse, a terrorist. We often disregard the PSP as a multimedia tool sincerely used for promoting happiness: watching movies, playing games, and listening to music. But how about using it for infiltrating top-secret clearance level data at some of the US’s most prestigous intelligence agencies? The PSP has all the prerequisites. If homebrew programs can be made to emulate Nintendo 64, send phone calls, utilize GPS protocols, and more, with the measily, yet powerful 333 MHz CPU, what’s stopping terrorists and malicious individuals from sending a child, armed with a PSP bearing a homebrew password brute forcer, to walk by the FBI Edgar Hoover building in Washington D.C. (who’s wireless networks reach the public sidewalk alongside the building), and gather data which could be used to thwart the government which protects us? Is this one of the reasons why Sony wants to stop homebrew? There are so many possibilities.

This brings me to my own story. The other day, I parked my car on Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., killing some time before an event I was about to attend further down in D.C. I whipped out my PSP, while sitting in the car, and pleasured myself to a round of Tekken: Dark Ressurection. Mind you, it was nearly dark outside, and the lights in the car were off. Roughly ten minutes into my game, I noticed a certain figure standing outside my car. I quickly shutoff my PSP, turned the lights on, and rolled down the window. To my surprise, it was a police officer. He asked me what I was doing at that very moment. Now, of course, I am an adult, and an adult playing a PSP in the dark, inside his car, on the busiest street in D.C. is pretty awkward, one would think. So I replied and explained my situation, that I was early heading to a nightclub, and wanted to feed my addiction to a new game I had just bought. He didn’t buy it. Not one bit at that.

Maybe it was my sketchy behavior, I was excited for the night, it was a long and tiring week, and now I had to deal with the fact that I might get in trouble for something, knowing how police have a knack for finding trouble. He immediately yelled (not politely) at me and forced me to put my hands in the air, step outside the car, and place both hands on the side of the car. He then proceded to pat me down and handcuff me from behind, and then asked me to sit down on the curb. He peeked inside my car, with flashlight in hand, and thoroughly searched my car (lucky I didn’t have my 6-pack next to me, as I originally planned to bring along). He picked up my PSP as evidence of “unusual behavior” and left to his car. There, I would assume, he traced my tags, performed a background check, and called in an additional police cruiser. He came out, and by now, the second cruiser had arrived with two additional men; they all came towards me. I was deeply interrogated. Why I was parked in front of a federal building at this time at night, why I tried to hide the item in my hands when the police officer had supposedly been yelling at me from the outside of my car, before I noticed he was outside, and what the ‘real story’ was. I started laughing, I knew nothing better to do at the time; these people thought I was a terrorist. They probably thought I was using the electronic device to decrypt confidential passwords, try to detonate some sort of triggered bomb, or something along those lines. Whatever the case, they let me go as they could find no real reason to arrest me, and I was relieved. Was that right there reasonable doubt? Did those police officers have the right to approach me like that? To this day the thoughts and words of that night still skim through my brain.

Now, I don’t want to make this article a rant against the criminal system we have. I’m actually, in a way, pleased that these officers had thought about such malicious potentials from the handheld; this is what makes the US safe(r). What I really wanted to get at was the true possibilites of the PSP; there is really nothing stopping anyone with malicious intent to be in my exact same position that night, utilizing a homebrew password decrypter/brute forcer/MD5 decryptor/mini-rainbow table setup/wireless bomb detonator rather than playing Tekken. Had I been sitting in the car with a laptop on my lap, it would have been many times more suspicious. A portable device equipped with wireless capabilities and the ability to launch custom, unsigned code, coupled with a small form factor is capable of anything. The terrorists and hackers of the next generation could be simply walking down the street and hacking away, using their concealed PSP to port scan and find a way to penetrate a victim’s wireless network, and essentially, gather sensitive information.

How safe are we? Could the PSP pose as a tool for the next generation of hacking? Is this potential one of the things that Sony is trying to protect us from by pressing firmware updates, and, eliminating the ability to run homebrew? Is the PSP really a toy?