Feb 4 2007, 01:54 PM, updated 17y ago
Cost of upgrading to custom firmware and also unbricking your PSP is TOTALLY FREE. Don't get cheat from game shops that charge you certain high amount; just to do upgrading/unbricking service.
Please consult this thread for guidance from fellow forumers on how to do upgrading/unbriking by your self.
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Alright, due to the overwhelming number of questions regarding the Sony PSP, I have compiled a basic guide for beginners in PSP to know more about their machines.
For better readability, I have segmented the questions into five groups:
- Basic PSP Questions [functions of the PSP],
- Homebrew Questions [definitions and functions of homebrews for PSP],
- Custom Firmware Questions [functions of custom firmwares for PSP],
- Miscelleaneous Questions [other questions that do not fall into the previous groups], and
- Troubleshooting Questions [questions on problems of PSP and how to solve them].
Feel free to post your questions here, I believe there're many people would help you guys out. But please make sure you make full use of this guide here first.
For those who want to ask:
- Ask only when any questions in your mind do not appear in the guide or when there are uncertainties about my guide.
- Piracy talk (ISO, loaders, etc) in this thread will not be tolerated and offenders will be reported. Please take note.
For those who want to answer:
Do not flame those who ask. This is the thread for beginners. We are here to help and learn at the same time.
OK, let's start.
Basic PSP Questions
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Q: What's a PSP?
Q: What can it do?
Q: What are firmwares?
Q: So, what are the firmwares available for the PSP?
Q: Which firmware is the best?
Q: How about the motherboard? Is there only one kind?
Q: So, how can I identify my motherboard's version?
Q: Which motherboard is the best?
Q: Will my PSP be bound to the region it was built for?
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A: It's a portable version of the famous PlayStation console by Sony.
Q: What can it do?
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A: It can be used to play games, listen to MP3 files (songs), watch MP4 files (movies). Besides, it has a built-in WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) function which enables users to go online to surf the Internet. (The WLAN function is also used to enable users to play multiplayer games with other PSP owners.)
Below is a firmware capability chart, grabbed from PSP-vault:
Below is a firmware capability chart, grabbed from PSP-vault:
Q: What are firmwares?
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A: Firmwares are programs that are stored in a read-only memory unit (firmwares are stored in the PSP's flash memory). It provides the necessary instructions for how the device communicates with the other computer hardware.
Q: So, what are the firmwares available for the PSP?
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A: To date, there are 37 versions of official firmwares for the PSP. (1.00, 1.50, 1.51, 1.52, 2.00, 2.01, 2.50, 2.60, 2.70, 2.71, 2.80, 2.81, 2.82, 3.00, 3.01, 3.02, 3.03, 3.10, 3.30, 3.40, 3.50, 3.51, 3.52, 3.60 (slim only), 3.70, 3.71, 3.72, 3.73, 3.80, 3.90, 3.93, 3.95, 4.00, 4.01, 4.05, 5.00, 5.01)
Q: Which firmware is the best?
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A: Of course, the latest one is the best. Latest firmwares have the latest security patches and also provides more functions for the PSP. For example, versions 1.00 and 1.50 do not have built-in browsers in them, while their successors versions 2.00 and above do.
Q: How about the motherboard? Is there only one kind?
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A: Nope. Up until now, there are 4 versions of motherboards for the PSP. (TA-079, TA-081, TA-082, TA-086)
Q: So, how can I identify my motherboard's version?
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A: There are two ways:
- open up your PSP (this will void your warranty) and search for the version code.
- eject your UMD door (this will not void your warranty) and look for the code IC1003 on the top right corner. If you don't have it, you're on either TA-079 or TA-081. But if you do, you're on TA-082 and above.
- open up your PSP (this will void your warranty) and search for the version code.
- eject your UMD door (this will not void your warranty) and look for the code IC1003 on the top right corner. If you don't have it, you're on either TA-079 or TA-081. But if you do, you're on TA-082 and above.
Q: Which motherboard is the best?
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A: Well, the newer motherboards are produced by Sony to improve security (fight against hackers/crackers). So, it's basically the same, whichever you own.
Q: Will my PSP be bound to the region it was built for?
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A: No for UMD games, yes for UMD movies. UMD games are region-less, meaning that any region's PSP can run any region's UMD games. However, UMD movies can only be played on a PSP from the same region (e.g. Region 1 PSP can only run Region 1 UMD movies).
Homebrew Questions
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Q: What are homebrews?
Q: Are homebrews legal?
Q: Can my PSP run homebrews?
Q: What is a brick?
Q: How can the flash memory corrupt?
Q: Can the bricked be un-bricked?
Q: So am I prone to bricks if I use homebrews?
Q: Will warranty from Sony void if I use homebrews/downgraders?
Q: Where can I find these homebrew programs?
Q: How much do they cost?
Q: How do I install them after I downloaded the programs?
Q: How do I keep myself updated with the homebrew scene?
Q: I know about these already. Are there any places in this forum where I can talk more about homebrews?
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A: In short, homebrews are third-party programs developed by programmers. Hence, PSP homebrews are third-party programs developed by programmers specifically for the PSP.
Q: Are homebrews legal?
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A: Yes, they're perfectly legal.
Q: Can my PSP run homebrews?
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A: Yes. It's just a matter of is-it-ready-yet. If your PSP is of versions 1.00 or 1.50, it's already homebrew-able by default. Else, if your PSP is of versions 2.00 and above, it's not homebrew-able by default. It needs some 'tweaks' before it can run homebrews. The most popular method to achieve this is to replace the official firmwares with custom firmwares.
Q: What is a brick?
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A: A brick is an object that is most commonly used to build buildings. But in PSP terms, a brick is a situation where your PSP becomes a lifeless object. This can happen if the flash memory is corrupted.
Q: How can the flash memory corrupt?
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A: It can happen in various ways. As long as it involves transaction of data to and from flash (flashing), it's vulnerable to bricks. An example of an activity which requires flashing is when performing firmware updates. So, if the flashing process is interrupted (e.g. loss of power), the PSP will then brick.
Q: Can the bricked be un-bricked?
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A: Yes, but in only one of three ways:
- usage of the UP (Undiluted Platinum), and
- if you have custom firmwares installed (There's a Recovery Mode in them.)
- (if your PSP warranted by Sony) send back to Sony for repairs.
- usage of the UP (Undiluted Platinum), and
- if you have custom firmwares installed (There's a Recovery Mode in them.)
- (if your PSP warranted by Sony) send back to Sony for repairs.
Q: So am I prone to bricks if I use homebrews?
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A: It depends, if you're using specific homebrews which modifies the attributes/behaviour of the PSP, chances of bricks are there. Other than that, they're not supposed to pose a threat.
Q: Will warranty from Sony void if I use homebrews/downgraders?
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A: Yes. For the simple fact that these softwares are third-party and unauthorized by Sony.
Q: Where can I find these homebrew programs?
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Q: How much do they cost?
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A: 99.99% of the time it's 0.00 (a.k.a. Free of Charge)
Q: How do I install them after I downloaded the programs?
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Q: How do I keep myself updated with the homebrew scene?
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Q: I know about these already. Are there any places in this forum where I can talk more about homebrews?
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A: Of course, head to LYN's PSP Community Thread. Alternatively, you can also discuss them here, in this thread.
Custom Firmware Questions
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Q: So, what're custom firmwares?
Q: What do you mean by powerful base?
Q: So, which is better: V1.50, V5.00 or V5.00 M33?
Q: V5.00 M33 and V5.00 M33-3? What's the difference?
Q: I have a V5.00 M33 now and I wish to update to V5.00 M33-3. Do I need to update the older one (M33-2) first?
Q: Are custom firmwares legal?
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A: Custom firmwares are unofficial firmwares 'developed' by programmers. To date, custom firmwares are only a combination of multiple official firmwares.
Custom firmware = 50% of official firmware #1 + 50% of official firmware #2
But underestimate them not, they offer a powerful base to the PSP.
Custom firmware = 50% of official firmware #1 + 50% of official firmware #2
But underestimate them not, they offer a powerful base to the PSP.
Q: What do you mean by powerful base?
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A: Currently, custom firmwares combine the best homebrew-able firmware (V1.50) with the best of the latest, decrypt-able one (V3.52).
V1.50 + V5.00 = V5.00 M33 (created by Dark-AleX)
So basically, you get the best of both worlds.
V1.50 + V5.00 = V5.00 M33 (created by Dark-AleX)
So basically, you get the best of both worlds.
Q: So, which is better: V1.50, V5.00 or V5.00 M33?
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V1.50:
Pro(s): Homebrew-able by default.
Con(s): Lacks features, such as the built-in browser and camera function on the XMB.
V5.00
Pro(s) of V3.80: Features are up-to-date.
Con(s) of V3.80: Not homebrew-able.
V5.00 M33
Pro(s) of V3.80 M33: Homebrew-able by default (pro of V1.50) and up-to-date features (pro of V3.80) plus recovery function (original pro of custom firmwares)..
Con(s) of V3.80 M33: Gets you addicted.
So, it's clear that a custom firmware is a better firmware compared to official firmwares.
Pro(s): Homebrew-able by default.
Con(s): Lacks features, such as the built-in browser and camera function on the XMB.
V5.00
Pro(s) of V3.80: Features are up-to-date.
Con(s) of V3.80: Not homebrew-able.
V5.00 M33
Pro(s) of V3.80 M33: Homebrew-able by default (pro of V1.50) and up-to-date features (pro of V3.80) plus recovery function (original pro of custom firmwares)..
Con(s) of V3.80 M33: Gets you addicted.
So, it's clear that a custom firmware is a better firmware compared to official firmwares.
Q: V5.00 M33 and V5.00 M33-3? What's the difference?
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A: The -2 means third revision, which also means that certain features are improved/bugs tweaked.
Q: I have a V5.00 M33 now and I wish to update to V5.00 M33-3. Do I need to update the older one (M33-2) first?
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A: No. Just go straight to M33-3 will work fine because the newer updates (M33-5) have the older update (M33-2) in it.
Q: Are custom firmwares legal?
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A: According to our very own fellow forummer Playboy21, an accomplished homebrew developer himself, it is illegal.
QUOTE(Playboy21 @ Nov 13 2008, 06:35 PM)
...Many do not know about it,but it actually is against the laws of EULA...
Miscelleaneous Questions
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Q: Where can I download games?
Q: Which MSPD is better? Sony or Sandisk?
Q: How to differentiate between fake and original MSPDs?
Q: How to differentiate between fake and original batteries for the PSP?
Q: What are stuck/dead pixels?
Q: How to check for stuck/dead pixels?
Q: What is the Chotto Shot?
Q: What is the PSP GPS?
Q: So how much will a PSP cost me now?
Q: Do I get official Sony warrany for the PSP if I buy from unauthorized outlets (e.g. stalls in Sungei Wang or other shopping complexes)?
Q: Can I send my PSP to Sony for repairs if my PSP does not have an official Sony warranty?
Q: How do I format my Memory Stick to FAT16 format?
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A: I'm sorry, I can't tell you that here as downloading copyrighted games are considered illegal. Please refrain yourself from talking about anything (e.g. how to install, how to run) regarding downloaded games here or risk getting warned/banned.
Q: Which MSPD is better? Sony or Sandisk?
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A: Look at this page.
Q: How to differentiate between fake and original MSPDs?
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A: Look at this page.
Q: How to differentiate between fake and original batteries for the PSP?
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A: Look at this page.
Q: What are stuck/dead pixels?
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A: A pixel contains three colours. Red, green and blue (RGB). For a stuck pixel, at least one but not all of the colours are 'stuck'. For a dead pixel, all three are not functioning, dead. Hence, a stuck pixel will be tiny dot(s) that will be brighter than the others (seen even more clearly when the background is dark in colour. A dead pixel would be colourless and would be easily seen against bright coloured background.
Q: How to check for stuck/dead pixels?
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A: You can create a white image and a black image at 480 x 272 pixels and put them in your MSPD. Then, when testing the console, insert your MSPD and use the XMB photo viewer to view the white and black image.
So, to check for a dead pixel, you should use a white image. If you can see black spots, then that's a dead pixel. Similarly, to check for a stuck pixel, you should use a black image. If you can see bright spots, then that's a stuck pixel.
So, to check for a dead pixel, you should use a white image. If you can see black spots, then that's a dead pixel. Similarly, to check for a stuck pixel, you should use a black image. If you can see bright spots, then that's a stuck pixel.
Q: What is the Chotto Shot?
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A: Chotto Shot is a camera developed by Sony, specifically for the PSP. For more info, proceed to LYN's PSP Chotto Shot Club Thread.
Q: What is the PSP GPS?
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A: The GPS (Global Positioning System) is a worldwide radio-navigation system that is widely used in location based services. The PSP GPS is exactly that. In additional to that mentioned, it can also be used in games such as the new Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops to recruit soldiers.
Click here for PSP GPS' official website. (Japanese)
For more information on this device in English, you can refer to this page (by our very own Mr. Moderator, Ninja).
Click here for PSP GPS' official website. (Japanese)
For more information on this device in English, you can refer to this page (by our very own Mr. Moderator, Ninja).
Q: So how much will a PSP cost me now?
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A: You can try asking this question in LYN's PSP Price Thread. But the best bet would still be manually doing research on the prices yourself.
Q: Do I get official Sony warrany for the PSP if I buy from unauthorized outlets (e.g. stalls in Sungei Wang or other shopping complexes)?
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A: No. Official warranty are only given to machines purchased from authorized Sony outlets (e.g. Sony Style). Other than that, the warranty is from the shop itself.
Q: Can I send my PSP to Sony for repairs if my PSP does not have an official Sony warranty?
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A: No. Sony will reject unwarranted machines.
Q: How do I format my Memory Stick to FAT16 format?
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A:
1. Go to Start Menu -> Run...
2. Type 'cmd' without quotes
3. At command prompt, type:
'format x: /q /fs:FAT' (without quotes, this is for FAT16 filesystem)
(change x to your MS drive)
If asks for a Force Dismount, choose yes.
If it warns you about compatibility problems on FAT16, just ignore it.
If it asks for a Volume Label, just type anything or none at all.
(A big thank you to sprix for the lovely tutorial.
Link to the original post is here.)
1. Go to Start Menu -> Run...
2. Type 'cmd' without quotes
3. At command prompt, type:
'format x: /q /fs:FAT' (without quotes, this is for FAT16 filesystem)
(change x to your MS drive)
If asks for a Force Dismount, choose yes.
If it warns you about compatibility problems on FAT16, just ignore it.
If it asks for a Volume Label, just type anything or none at all.
(A big thank you to sprix for the lovely tutorial.
Link to the original post is here.)
Troubleshooting Questions
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PSP Browser Problems
PSP Media Player Problems
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Q: Why am I getting "Not enough memory" error message while browsing using the built-in browser?
Q: How can I avoid the "Not enough memory" problem?
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A: This is because the PSP's built-in browser uses the DRAM for caching pages. The DRAM is only 4MB in size, so loading pages with lots of animations/pictures would really be a pain in the ass.
Q: How can I avoid the "Not enough memory" problem?
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A: Try switching off the caching function.
[Browser] -> Tools -> Settings -> Cache Settings -> Do Not Use
[Browser] -> Tools -> Settings -> Cache Settings -> Do Not Use
PSP Media Player Problems
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Q: How do I convert video files?
Q: After conversion, where should I put the video files?
Q: I have the files in the correct folders. Now what?
Q: Are there any key shortcuts that I can use while watching videos?
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A: There are many tools for video conversion. For example, you can use the freeware PSP Video9.
Q: After conversion, where should I put the video files?
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A: After conversion, there should be two files. An MP4 file and a theme file. Both files should be in the 100MNV01 folder, inside MP_ROOT.
X:\MP_ROOT\100MNV01\[Both files here.]
X:\MP_ROOT\100MNV01\[Both files here.]
Q: I have the files in the correct folders. Now what?
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A: Go to your XMB, scroll to Video. Your video file should be there.
Q: Are there any key shortcuts that I can use while watching videos?
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A: Yep. I have here a screenshot grabbed from the official US PSP site:
This post has been edited by Ninja: Mar 29 2009, 12:36 PM
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