This September, Sony will be unleashing the first ever revision of the PlayStation Portable. Codenamed PSP-2000, the system sports a new slimmer design, and the ability to display content on a television. There are a lot of mysteries surrounding the new system -- but tonight, we're going to clear things up. We asked the readers of PSP Fanboy to submit their questions and received about a hundred responses. That's a lot of ground to cover, so we're going to spend the next few days answering as many as we can. Let's begin.
The PSP-1000's volume wasn't that loud. Did they increase the volume?
Submitted by: dapurplebyrd
As you can see, the speakers on the new PSP (right) are not louder than the old PSP (left). With headphones on, the volume output is identical as well.
What firmware is shipped with the PSP?
Submitted by: mike
The system includes firmware 3.60. Some new features of the firmware include: USB Charge, new background colors (27 in all!), and Connected Display Settings (for TV output).
What video sizes does it play? Hopefully 640x480. Submitted by: Surtur
Nope. PSP 3.60 still does not support 640x480 video, which means many iPod-compatible video podcasts still don't work on the PSP.
Is the system quieter when loading data from the UMD?
Submitted by: Brandon
In some ways. The PSP will still make that scratching noise when loading data from a UMD. However, it does seem to happen slightly less often. Listen to the video, though. You'll notice that both systems will make the same disc loading noise.
Do files open faster on XMB?
Submitted by: TheHood
We loaded up our 4GB Memory Stick Duo with tons of 1080p images and had the PSP generate thumbnails. In our test, we noticed one thing: the two systems performed identically.
Is ghosting still noticeable?
Submitted by: Saigon
Yes, ghosting is still noticeable on the screen, particularly in scenes involving bright whites. The screen isn't bad -- let's not forget that the original PSP screen still produces fantastic video.
Does the web browser take advantage of the added memory? For instance, can web sites that cause the old PSP's memory to run out work on the Slim?
Submitted by: [email protected]
We were trying to read our favorite gaming blog when this error message struck. Seemingly, the browser is another thing that hasn't been improved in the new PSP.
What happens if you press the screen button long enough to start video out if it isn't plugged in?
Submitted by: Don
The screen simply turns off, just as it did before. This will help you conserve battery.
Is it possible to play music while viewing a slideshow on the PSP with this new release?
Submitted by: Sai
No. When you enter a different part of the XMB, your music will stop just like before.
How is the Wi-Fi connection? Can you test the range?
Submitted by: Makiyura
The range for both PSP-1000 and PSP-2000 seem nearly identical. For us, the system lost a signal once more than 30 feet away from our wireless router. In terms of download speeds, we saw that the PSP-2000 had only a marginal advantage, one that could have been caused by random network speeds, rather than an inherent system design. Regardless, PSP-2000 constantly outperformed the original PSP in our RSS download tests.
Do the buttons actually have a better response/feel to them?
Submitted by: Dennis
Yes. The buttons have slightly more resistance, which makes it much better to the touch.
I heard that when you output games to your HDTV (through component), the picture is framed. Is it true?
Submitted by: Sephiroth_FF
Yes it is true. On our 61" TV, the image produced by the PSP was 42" on our TV. That means, in diagonal terms, less than 70% of your screen will be devoted to the game. The XMB, however, will appear in full screen, as will movies and everything else accessed from there:
The image quality of games is particularly impressive. Ignoring the somewhat significant borders, the games we played looked like they were being output by a PS2. Movies, on the other hand, fared worse. Our Spider-man 2 UMD looked good, but didn't match the quality of a properly upscaled DVD running on the PS3.
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There are still a lot more questions to answer. However, we need to spend a little more time with the system. Expect answers to burning questions on PSP-2000's load times, battery life, TV out functionality, and more in the next few days.
I posted this over at Joystiq, but I don't really know where you're culling the questions from, so ... I haven't seen in any of Sony's literature about how long the video out cables are -- I'm hoping at least 6 feet ...
It's good to know that the upscaled game video looks good on a tv. Even better, you say it looks like ps2 quality(which I'm guessing would change, depending on the game).
About the movies on tv, is it possible to change the video size? Cause upscaling 720 x 480 res on a 61" tv, is obviously not going to look great.
I agree that this is a MAJOR disappointment. They didn't improve the display at all? Volume isn't improved? The UMD video output isn't 720P? No 640x480 iPOD video compatibility? NO improvement of memory performance with the browser?
Jesus, Sony... Talk about bare minimum effort. I like the few improvements we did get with the PSP 2000, but this is really pathetic.
OTOH, who gives a flying turd about WiFi range (it's fine to start with) or UMD access noise? I never had a problem with either of those things on the old PSP - why would we expect either to have been improved?
The re-use of the SAME ghosting LCD really pisses me off, though.
I care about UMD acess noise because I asked the question. Most games I play are in many cases in enviroments where I have the sound either entirely off, or very low. Like in a hallway of a university building, or a waiting room. You become VERY aware of how noisy the PSP becomes when accessing the UMD. Its not a horrible thing when the sound is up high or in a noisy setting, but in a normal ambient to quiet environment, its pretty noisy.
Just because you don't have a problem with it, doesn't mean everyone on earth has the same exact opinion as you. It was one of the things I figured would be easy to compare, and I legitimately was interested if it was improved or not, so what is the loss to you if I wanted to know? What were your profound suggestions for him to test?
The only disappointment for me is they didn't address the screen ghosting issue. It's not a deal breaking problem, but it is annoying sometimes. PSP screen is still excellent overall, but had they fixed the ghosting it would've been pretty much perfect.
Otherwise I think the PSP2000 is a good hardware update. A bit sleeker, some issues fixed, TV output is a nice bonus. Can't complain really.
I think we'll see more video resolutions unlocked in the future (by Sony, or perhaps the remaining homebrew community)--if they weren't going to support DVD resolution, there's not much point to going with component video cables as opposed to something like S-video, or even just the single RCA plug so every TV could use it.
@5: 720p is pushing it though, especially considering the size of hardware that usually runs HD video well.
@PSPFB: On that note, expecting it to compare to an upscaled DVD on a PS3 isn't a realistic goal. A regular DVD player would've been a better yardstick (since who doesn't have at least one of those!!).
To be honest though, I always thought there'd be some kind of video out solution for the existing psp. Gaming aside, it's better for video / photo sharing, and that's enough of a gimmick to sell more systems.
But yeah, thanks for the frank comparison! Since we all have PSPs by now, it's good to know whether we should be thinking about a replacement!
Glaring flaw???...WTF!?!? The refresh is NOT "extremely" slow. If it was, then there would be shitload of complaints about it, for most 3d psp games. The screen is actually awesome, but the slight problem is that you notice ghosting when watching MOVIES. I rarely(mostly when I try to find it) notice ghosting when playing games, and it's not even issue with the majority of games.
Im not trolling Saigon. I wanted the PSP redesign to fix the one glaring flaw so I could buy one. I like the PSP and I want the PSP to be a success. I want(ed) to buy one. How is that trolling? Because I have a DS Lite? Give me a break.
Keep your "troll" comments to yourself please and stop accusing fellow PSP enthusiats like some kind of paranoid freak. Sony made a mistake, it doesnt take a "troll" to see that.
I'm not really worried about sony's mistakes because i know as soon as they can the m33 team will make use of the extra ram for the web, among other things people want.
Saigon, the screen on the PSP has a very slow refresh rate. That is where the ghosting comes from. This is widely understood all over the internet. Its a fact. I am not saying it, the world is. Obviously for people like yourself, ignorance is bliss. You are the one who doesnt know what he is talking about. The DS Lite screens have a much higher refresh rate, thus they do not have the ghosting effect. That is not trolling, that is fact. Again Saigon, stop talking because you went from paranoid freak to ignorant moron in one post.
Jason man, just go home. Go to dsfanboy, and never come back because sony has somehow screwed over a dsfanboi yet again with it's suck ass full 3d graphics, and surround sound, and it stupid internet capabilities, and idiotic mp3, and video player that the ds doesn't have. I'm sorry if you like gameboy but don't come here saying the psp has a huge "glaring" flaw with the barely exsistent ghosting, in full 3d fast motion games when your 2.5d mario and pokemon has no ghosting. If you don't have/want/are gettting/use/used a psp and hate it's "glaring flaw" gtfo of here.
Ok guys. I give up. Yea, lets let companies get away with substandard products. Who do you think Sony listens to in order to make their products better. THE CONSUMER. I am a CONSUMER. Many CONSUMERS have not bought the PSP because of the flaws it has, namely and mostly its very slow refreshing screen. The DS Lite is killing the PSP in sales for a reason. In order to fix that Sony needs to listen to CONSUMER feedback. Stop looking at things like a 12 year old fanboy and use your head for heavens sake. I AM NOT A DS FANBOY so shut the f**k up about it. Grow up guys. The PSP is a great system that just needs a better screen. It helps Sony if they get it right and people like Saigon and KMC are why they may never get it right and beat NIntendo.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
8-30-2007 @ 6:25PM
Jay said...
I posted this over at Joystiq, but I don't really know where you're culling the questions from, so ... I haven't seen in any of Sony's literature about how long the video out cables are -- I'm hoping at least 6 feet ...
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 6:44PM
Anthony said...
Such a disappointment.
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 6:55PM
AJF said...
Agreed.
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 7:05PM
Saigon said...
It's good to know that the upscaled game video looks good on a tv. Even better, you say it looks like ps2 quality(which I'm guessing would change, depending on the game).
About the movies on tv, is it possible to change the video size? Cause upscaling 720 x 480 res on a 61" tv, is obviously not going to look great.
Man, I can't wait to get one of these babies!
Thanks for answering my question.
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 7:14PM
pixelator said...
I agree that this is a MAJOR disappointment. They didn't improve the display at all? Volume isn't improved? The UMD video output isn't 720P? No 640x480 iPOD video compatibility? NO improvement of memory performance with the browser?
Jesus, Sony... Talk about bare minimum effort. I like the few improvements we did get with the PSP 2000, but this is really pathetic.
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 7:17PM
pixelator said...
OTOH, who gives a flying turd about WiFi range (it's fine to start with) or UMD access noise? I never had a problem with either of those things on the old PSP - why would we expect either to have been improved?
The re-use of the SAME ghosting LCD really pisses me off, though.
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 7:27PM
Brandon said...
@ pixelator
I care about UMD acess noise because I asked the question. Most games I play are in many cases in enviroments where I have the sound either entirely off, or very low. Like in a hallway of a university building, or a waiting room. You become VERY aware of how noisy the PSP becomes when accessing the UMD. Its not a horrible thing when the sound is up high or in a noisy setting, but in a normal ambient to quiet environment, its pretty noisy.
Just because you don't have a problem with it, doesn't mean everyone on earth has the same exact opinion as you. It was one of the things I figured would be easy to compare, and I legitimately was interested if it was improved or not, so what is the loss to you if I wanted to know? What were your profound suggestions for him to test?
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 7:37PM
Don said...
Excellent start, PSPfanboy. It didn't tell me anything I didn't already know/guessed, but at least it's out there in print.
Can't wait to read the rest, especially a UMD games loading times comparison. My money is on no change in load times on any current games.
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 8:48PM
Larz said...
I'm surprised at all the people expecting more... Sony has never said they were going to make anything more than the same PSP we love, just slimmer.
TV-out was a huge surprise to me and I think it is just wonderful that they added that feature.
"Such a dissapointment"
"MAJOR disappointment"
"really pisses me off"
What is wrong with you people? Do you even like the PSP?! How are those speakers on your iPod? Loud enough? Oh, that's right, there are none!
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 9:57PM
interested said...
The only disappointment for me is they didn't address the screen ghosting issue. It's not a deal breaking problem, but it is annoying sometimes. PSP screen is still excellent overall, but had they fixed the ghosting it would've been pretty much perfect.
Otherwise I think the PSP2000 is a good hardware update. A bit sleeker, some issues fixed, TV output is a nice bonus. Can't complain really.
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 10:09PM
farfisa said...
I think we'll see more video resolutions unlocked in the future (by Sony, or perhaps the remaining homebrew community)--if they weren't going to support DVD resolution, there's not much point to going with component video cables as opposed to something like S-video, or even just the single RCA plug so every TV could use it.
@5: 720p is pushing it though, especially considering the size of hardware that usually runs HD video well.
@PSPFB: On that note, expecting it to compare to an upscaled DVD on a PS3 isn't a realistic goal. A regular DVD player would've been a better yardstick (since who doesn't have at least one of those!!).
To be honest though, I always thought there'd be some kind of video out solution for the existing psp. Gaming aside, it's better for video / photo sharing, and that's enough of a gimmick to sell more systems.
But yeah, thanks for the frank comparison! Since we all have PSPs by now, it's good to know whether we should be thinking about a replacement!
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 10:14PM
TheHood said...
Thanks for answering questions so quickly.
Hopefully there is more good news in the video output category.
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 10:54PM
Jason said...
Same horrible extremely slow refreshing LCD!?!?
Sorry Sony, I thought I was going to finally buy your handheld. But you did not fix the one glaring flaw.
Back to DS Lite it seems.
Reply
8-30-2007 @ 11:53PM
Saigon said...
"Same horrible extremely slow refreshing LCD!?!?"
Glaring flaw???...WTF!?!? The refresh is NOT "extremely" slow. If it was, then there would be shitload of complaints about it, for most 3d psp games. The screen is actually awesome, but the slight problem is that you notice ghosting when watching MOVIES. I rarely(mostly when I try to find it) notice ghosting when playing games, and it's not even issue with the majority of games.
"Back to DS Lite it seems."
Good. Stay on dsfanboy, and don't troll here.
Reply
8-31-2007 @ 12:36AM
Jason said...
Im not trolling Saigon. I wanted the PSP redesign to fix the one glaring flaw so I could buy one. I like the PSP and I want the PSP to be a success. I want(ed) to buy one. How is that trolling? Because I have a DS Lite? Give me a break.
Keep your "troll" comments to yourself please and stop accusing fellow PSP enthusiats like some kind of paranoid freak. Sony made a mistake, it doesnt take a "troll" to see that.
Reply
8-31-2007 @ 1:11AM
Saigon said...
You may or may not be a troll. But it doesn't change the fact that you have no idea what you're talking about when you say things like this:
"Same horrible extremely slow refreshing LCD!?!?" and "But you did not fix the one glaring flaw."
Reply
8-31-2007 @ 1:42AM
KMC said...
I'm not really worried about sony's mistakes because i know as soon as they can the m33 team will make use of the extra ram for the web, among other things people want.
Reply
8-31-2007 @ 1:45AM
Jason said...
Saigon, the screen on the PSP has a very slow refresh rate. That is where the ghosting comes from. This is widely understood all over the internet. Its a fact. I am not saying it, the world is. Obviously for people like yourself, ignorance is bliss. You are the one who doesnt know what he is talking about. The DS Lite screens have a much higher refresh rate, thus they do not have the ghosting effect. That is not trolling, that is fact. Again Saigon, stop talking because you went from paranoid freak to ignorant moron in one post.
Reply
8-31-2007 @ 1:48AM
KMC said...
Jason man, just go home. Go to dsfanboy, and never come back because sony has somehow screwed over a dsfanboi yet again with it's suck ass full 3d graphics, and surround sound, and it stupid internet capabilities, and idiotic mp3, and video player that the ds doesn't have. I'm sorry if you like gameboy but don't come here saying the psp has a huge "glaring" flaw with the barely exsistent ghosting, in full 3d fast motion games when your 2.5d mario and pokemon has no ghosting. If you don't have/want/are gettting/use/used a psp and hate it's "glaring flaw" gtfo of here.
Reply
8-31-2007 @ 2:00AM
Jason said...
Ok guys. I give up. Yea, lets let companies get away with substandard products. Who do you think Sony listens to in order to make their products better. THE CONSUMER. I am a CONSUMER. Many CONSUMERS have not bought the PSP because of the flaws it has, namely and mostly its very slow refreshing screen. The DS Lite is killing the PSP in sales for a reason. In order to fix that Sony needs to listen to CONSUMER feedback. Stop looking at things like a 12 year old fanboy and use your head for heavens sake. I AM NOT A DS FANBOY so shut the f**k up about it. Grow up guys. The PSP is a great system that just needs a better screen. It helps Sony if they get it right and people like Saigon and KMC are why they may never get it right and beat NIntendo.
Reply