Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 41
It's the end of the week, which calls for a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy! Each week we'll collect your questions, and each weekend a new volume of Ask PSP Fanboy will appear on the front page. If you've got a question, send an email to justin.eaton @ weblogsinc .com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy."
Q. Can the PSP-2000 be upgraded through firmware to display games over composite just like PSP-3000, or is that not possible?
A. The PSP-2000 only supports gaming through progressive scan, which requires component or D-terminal cables. The PSP-3000 model does support 480i, but this functionality is limited to the model, not the software.
Q. Can I ask whether or not you think that the PSP will finally support WPA2 encryption protocol in any near Firmware updated? It just annoys me how I cant connect to the WiFi at work due to the protocol not being supported! Although I do work in IT and could downgrade the security on the AP, but thats not really a good solution.
A. Several friends of mine have asked that same question, wondering why Sony hasn't included WPA2 support. I'm unaware of any hardware restriction; I just don't think it's one of Sony's priorities right now.
Q. I was wondering if there is any way to listen to music on your PSP while playing games?
A. Aside from a few select titles (GTA: LCS, NBA Live 07), playing music during gameplay is not currently possible. In fact, Sony has just recently added this functionality to the PS3, so it may be more of a hardware restriction.
Q. Are the weight, size, or dimensions between PSP-2000 and PSP-3000 different?
A. There are no significant differences as far as physical dimensions are concerned; just an added microphone and a brighter, higher-contrast LCD screen. There is a slight change in the button shape for the "start" and "select," and the home button has been replaced with a "PS button."
Q. I just recently bought a D-terminal cable for the PSP and I was wondering if this cable is meant to only work on Japanese TV sets or are there US TVs compatible with this cable? I've had no luck finding a TV in the US with this TV output.
A. Unfortunately D-terminal is a Japanese standard for video output, and you'll have a very difficult time finding that same input on an American TV. You'd be better off with component cables, which will support video output for games, and give you that "higher-definition" (480p).
Q. What I want to know is if I continue with my plan and buy the PSP-3000 pearl white import from Japan, what am I going to have to expect? Will it play games I buy here in America and the UK (moving soon), what type of adapters will I have to buy, are all the memory cards compatible? I know the movies don't work but in truth I don't care about them. Will the Japanese PSP play my mp3s and what programs will I not be able to use. Will I have to learn Japanese to use it or is my plain old English good enough?
A. Imported units are always a bit tricky, because while most functionality of the PSP isn't region locked, you'll still notice a few differences, based on the firmware alone. One obvious example would be the "X" and "O" buttons switching, where the Japanese controls tend to use "O" as a select button. While Sony only recommends using the corresponding firmware with the region your unit came from, you can technically load any firmware update on any PSP. Format support won't change on an imported unit, so you won't have any trouble loading your mp3 files. Memory Stick compatibility also isn't an issue.
Q. Does my PSP web browser support websites that have embedded Flash games/programs?
A. As long as your PSP has firmware 2.70 (or later) you'll have Flash Player 6. Compare that to the latest desktop version, Flash Player 9, and you'll see that some games and videos will run well, others will be quite laggy, or unsupported altogether.
Q. Will the new PSP have better speakers than the PSP-2000?
A. From what we've heard, the only major hardware improvements involve a brighter, anti-glare LCD screen, and a built-in microphone. We're not aware of any changes to the speakers.
