The worst news is that there's no fix. "Since this is caused by hardware characteristics, there is no plan to fix it with system software update." Looks like it's here to stay. We're still waiting on a statement from SCEA but, from the looks of it, they won't have much new to add.
Update: SCEA response, after the break.
"On some occasions, scan lines may appear on scenes where brightness changes drastically, due to the hardware features of the new LCD device on PSP-3000. Installed with this new LCD device, PSP-3000 offers more natural and vibrant colors on its screen, but the scan lines have come out to be more visible as a result of improving response time to alleviate the afterimages on PSP-3000. Since this is due to hardware specification, there are no plans for a system software update concerning this issue."
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 4)
10-21-2008 @ 4:29PM
aj said...
To me, the ghosting on the 2000 is completely non-existent. I mean, I see it, but it just doesn't bother me. I also don't get bothered by long load times. But these lines? They drive me completely mad.
It's a matter of what you like. Go see if you can fiddle with a demo model, or ask a friend to show you his or hers.
My advice: the 2000. I love my little red guy, and his big shiny plastic case so the screen won't ever get messed up.
10-21-2008 @ 6:51PM
myuusmeow said...
@ Warner Young: All of the stores that even have working PSP demo units are still just phat PSPs, so that doesn't work.
10-21-2008 @ 11:11AM
kenjix said...
I still have my 3000 I haven't noticed the issue as much as it's been reported. Although I just love my psp and I still have my 2000 and my 1000.
Loving being able to play outside and i just picked up Midnight club so maybe it'll show in that game if anything?
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10-21-2008 @ 11:18AM
koehler83 said...
They'll likely replace the screens with the cheaper and more abundant LCD displays from the PSP-2000. The hardware update was never about the screen anyway. It's all about the battery port and the motherboard.
The only reason they threw in the screen and the microphone was to try and convince current PSP-1001 & PSP-2000 owners to 'upgrade'.
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10-21-2008 @ 1:21PM
Joey said...
"The only reason they threw in the screen and the microphone was to try and convince current PSP-1001 & PSP-2000 owners to 'upgrade'."
Not entirely correct. If that was what they wanted, they could have done it quietly (which they have already - the newer generation 2000 are using a newer 'un-pandora-able' motherboard). Their intentions (new screen and mic) are for attention - the likes of which the PSP hasn't been getting at all lately. Sony really (and sadly) are going all out to milk 10 years out of the psp. :/
10-21-2008 @ 11:32AM
James said...
I am really bummed I just bought the 3000 for my son for Xmas. I am a loyal Sony customer, my HDTV is sony as well as my surround sound setup, and I of course have a PS3. I hope Sony will do what is necessary to make sure people such as myself maintain that loyalty.
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10-21-2008 @ 12:03PM
Kattleox said...
I concur. I was actually pumped about this one because I wanted the new features and, specifically, GPS. That Ratchet pack was quite appealing and then all this jumps out and I'm questioning whether or not I'm going to just pick up the Daxter pack and a cheap GPS. I can't remember anything sony has done like this in the past, though, so I will still proudly wear my sony shirt and killzone hat. At least, as of yet. I bet the DSi wont have these problems.
10-22-2008 @ 11:21AM
Christopher said...
OMG, you people crack me up. Company loyalty is sad. I automatically doubt anything from Sony until it can win me over. It's safer that way. Only bought a PS2 slim last year and a PSP Phat after seeing and playing one myself...
10-22-2008 @ 8:59PM
James said...
LOL some of us like to have our gaming systems while they are current. Have you checked out the Sega Dreamcast yet I had a lot of fun with it about 8 years ago.
10-21-2008 @ 12:01PM
styroteqe said...
I am betting that combatting piracy and homebrew developers is part of the reason for the hardware upgrade. However, their efforts are in vain, it seems M33 has already cracked Firmware 5.00.
I still own the original model of the PSP. I do like the d-pad on the Slim, but I cannot justify buying a "redesign" with such minimal changes. Give us a second analog stick! I want to be able to play ALL of my PSone titles with dual shock, if they support it. How much engineering costs could adding a second nub incur? Did we really need a built-in microphone??
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10-21-2008 @ 1:24PM
Vidaluko said...
The Firmware is already cracked, but not the PSP-3000, you can´t hack the PSP-3000 yet, and that´s a good sign, PSP-1000 and 2000 where hacked in 1-2 days, the 3000 is already a week....
10-21-2008 @ 12:45PM
Don said...
Big "surprise" coming from Sony... add it to the list of just another example of their degrading service & quality. I used to really like Sony, but they've betrayed me too many times.
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10-21-2008 @ 2:38PM
Don said...
This is the dead pixel issue all over again. Way back in 2005, Sony said the same thing about all the daed pixel screens on the PSP; that it's "natural" & "normal". Yes, dead pixels do happen with LCD screens *OCCASIONALLY*... it was the *ABNORMALLY HIGH RATE* of dead pixels with PSPs that was the problem. But Sony just laughed it off. And while DPs don't seem as common with 2007-later PSPs, it still does happen.
The new LCD screen problem will probably be "fixed" in a similar manner. But for now, Sony wants you to forget it ever happened. Hush. It's "normal".
10-21-2008 @ 1:04PM
nomad said...
well thats it for me. i will wait and see what the psp2 or 4000 will be like. i have the 1000,2000 psp and will skip the 3000. they pulled a snow job on the customers with the 3000,lol. i will skip it.:(
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10-21-2008 @ 1:08PM
tom said...
Yesterday i went to best buy and they had a new psp on display, i played madden 09 and i did notice the scan lines. I was going to buy one but i didnt think the upgrades ( sony calls them upgrades, i call them rip-offs) were worth it, im keeping my blue model. Sony needs to test their sh*& before they release it to the public, do they even test their products?
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10-21-2008 @ 1:34PM
nomad said...
yes with a bunch of monkeys,lol.
10-21-2008 @ 2:30PM
adolson said...
It's too bad it's only interlacing images and not quotes from the Qur'an... Then there'd be a recall and fix for sure.
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10-21-2008 @ 3:15PM
Torey said...
Nice... I have got to give you credit for that one!
10-21-2008 @ 3:23PM
LokeSTL said...
OK, we can't get rid of the scanlines. What about the other half of the problem. Are they going to do something about the interlacing issues???
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10-21-2008 @ 3:46PM
Warner Young said...
"OK, we can't get rid of the scanlines. What about the other half of the problem. Are they going to do something about the interlacing issues???"
LokeSTL, umm, the scanlines and interlacing are basically the same issue. The interlacing makes the scanlines more noticeable, so you can't fix one without fixing the other. Or, conversely, you can't leave one alone without leaving the other.