Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 5
Every Saturday, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ pspfanboy.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."
Q: I subscribed to "The 1UP Show" RSS feed and had it download overnight. When I go to it under videos it says "unsupported movie type" or something like that. It is a mp4 file and if I run it through PSP Video 9 it'll play. But I'd like to to play right off the bat. Any clue? I'm also having the same problems with "On the Spot" from gamespot.com. Also what are the restrictions on mp4 files for the PSP?
A: The PSP has some peculiar restrictions with video playback. The two you should focus on are video resolution and bitrate. Videos are limited to a maximum of 76800 pixels (320x240, for example), and a video bitrate of 768kbps. You should make sure that videos that aren't named in Sony's proprietary Memory Stick format (MAQ, M4V) are placed in your Memory Stick under a folder called "VIDEO."
Unfortunately, it appears that "The 1UP Show" is now encoded at a much higher resolution than the PSP is allowed to play back. You may want to download PSP-compatible files directly from The 1UP Show website.
Q: Have you heard of any updates about the PSP camera? Has any map software been created in the US [for the GPS software]?
A: Sony hasn't officially announced anything about the PSP GPS and camera for the US market. However, homebrewers have created an alternate solution for you. If requires the installation of 3.03OE, which almost any PSP can downgrade to (provided you have an unpatched copy of GTA).
Q: How do I perform a system update? Also, why are people are "downgrading." Should I avoid the system update?
A: If you don't have a wi-fi connection, download the update file from PlayStation.com. Connect your PSP to your computer and put the file into your PSP. Look for, or create, the following directory: PSP/GAME/UPDATE. After you copy the EBOOT.PBP file into that directory, go back to your PSP's XMB. Go to "GAME" and choose "Memory Stick." You'll see the update available there. Make sure your battery is well charged to begin the update.
People have been downgrading because of their interest in homebrew. However, if you're new to the PSP scene, you may find the very technical nature of homebrew to be confusing. You can damage your PSP if you don't follow instructions carefully. I personally recommend using Sony's official updates, but if you want to change your opinion, you may want to avoid upgrading
