| Author |
Playstation portable specs! |
axxxr
Joined: Mar 21, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Londinium
PM, WWW
|
I just clued in to some new shots and a video of the PlayStation Portable using the Universal Media Disc (UMD). The mechanism appears to be similar that used in many Sony MD units, in that it is both slot-loading and flips open to eject the disk.The best part of video clip is when the guy demoing it fails to properly remove the UMD on the first go-around.
[addsig] | |
|
BOSSHOGG
Joined: Dec 19, 2002
Posts: > 500
PM |
:-D They're still insisting it's out this year. And they denied all those prices you posted too. One more thing...it's HUGE!
This message was posted from a Z600 |
mixin
Joined: Jan 26, 2002
Posts: > 500
From: Notts, UK
PM, WWW
|
You want it to be really small with a really small screen BOSSHOGG? 
|
axxxr
Joined: Mar 21, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Londinium
PM, WWW
|
Quote:
|
On 2004-10-14 21:05:49, BOSSHOGG wrote:
 They're still insisting it's out this year. And they denied all those prices you posted too. One more thing...it's HUGE!
|
|
Well maybe it will & maybe it won't we will just have to wait and see!..here's hoping!
Prices will change upon final release of the end product.so no one really knows for sure how much exactly it will cost...Why do u think that its big?..So aint u buying it now then? 
[addsig] |
BOSSHOGG
Joined: Dec 19, 2002
Posts: > 500
PM |
Never intended on buying one. Not paying 30 quid or more for a handheld game. Seen the pics of the small jap girls in tokyo holding them. Almost as big as their waist!
This message was posted from a Z600 |
p900 lover
Joined: Jan 08, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: London
PM |
in one of the package options there was camera?
im thinking this is a add on rite?
and at $199 its much cheaper then i was goin to pay, lol
|
Wazuki
Joined: Aug 08, 2004
Posts: 280
PM |
Oh my oh my oh my oh my and lots of oh my ONLY 350 BUCKS? GPS? ALUMINIUM CASE ? CAMERA? 256 MB MSDP? WOW WOW WOW! OMG I WANT ONE! KILL SONY! WHY THEY ARE MAKING SUCH COOL THINGS, THAT YOU CAN NOT STAND TO BUY?!
This message was posted from a WAP device |
axxxr
Joined: Mar 21, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Londinium
PM, WWW
|
PSP developer interview (Part 1) - Hardware specs finalised
WatchImpress has conducted a fantastic interview with Izumi Kawanishi, one of the lead developers of the Playstation Portable, covering everything from hardware specifications to the finer details of the PSP's design. We've got the trained monkeys in over-drive, furiously banging out an English edition of this latest news on the PSP. Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3!
Mr Izumi Kawanishi
Head, Network System Development Section, Research and Development Division, Sony Computer Entertainment
Key figure in development of hardware for Playstation 2, Playstation Portable and other systems at Sony Computer Entertainment
Little more than a year and a half has passed since Mr Ken Kutaragi, President and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, stood on stage at E3 2003, held up a UMD (Universal Media Disk) and announced the development of the PSP (Playstation Portable). In that time, Sony Computer Entertainment has strived to bring to market an advanced portable game device with functionality far exceeding that of any existing device.
Pricing and sales information for the PSP have yet been released, making it a machine of some mystery. Sony has stated that they will release this information during 2004. On this occasion, we talked with Mr Izumi Kawanishi (Head, Network System Development Section, Research and Development Division) about everything from specifications to the finer details of the PSP's design.
Q: Approximately when did you start development of the PSP?
Kawanishi: From about the time of the E3 2003 announcement. We had plans for a portable game device for a long time before that, though. We had already discussed the idea a number of times and decided on the basic concept. However, the actual start of development was from last year.
Q: Then, why did it take until last year for the project to receive the go-ahead?
Kawanishi: Starting with the development of the Playstation technology, we have continued to develop game devices for home use and, therefore, had the desire to produce a portable game device for quite a long time. However, until now, we weren't able to produce a portable game device with the advanced specifications we wanted ... one with a specification that we were sufficiently satisfied with.
Then, last year, it finally began to look like we could fit everything into a portable game device with high quality so we decided to take on the challenge. Up until now, there hasn't been a portable game device with 3D functionality so this is the first, I think. In addition, although there have been a number of portable game devices in the past, a portable device of the PSP's quality is also a first. Those two areas are big points, I think.
Basically, in a market with a lot of customers who are already enjoying the PS2, we didn't want to release a product that was inferior to that.
Q: The PSP is a portable game device but, when you started development, in what sort of environments did you envisage it would used?
Kawanishi: Well, to some degree, you can assume that it will be stored beside an existing game system and TV but, as it is a portable game device that you can carry around in your hand, I think the user will decide how and when to use it depending on the situation. The variations and possibilities are unlimited; the concept is that you can take it with you and play it anywhere. Therefore, where and when it is used is something that we want to allow each individual user to consider and not something that we should decide.
Q: In the beginning, the image that Ken Kutaragi presented at E3 was one of a small-size Playstation but, at the announcement the other day, it looked like much more advanced operations will be possible. What sequence of events took place to cause this change in direction?
Kawanishi: Let me see. At an early stage, the specifications were based on those of the Playstation 2. However, even if you say, "let's make a portable Playstation 2!", it's not something that is possible.
On the other hand, if you say, "maybe a specification based on the Playstation will be OK," you will not be able to satisfy the development side. Users are already accustomed to Playstation 2-like graphics and, if the PSP were to produce Playstation-like graphics, you would be returning to the time before the Playstation 2 and I don't think it would be possible to satisfy users. We didn't want to compromise in that area.
Q: The smart design is typical of SCE but was there anything in the design you were particular about? Was Teiyu Goto responsible for the design this time too?
Kawanishi: This time, a designer other than Mr Goto but from the same group was in charge. As for design particulars, one point was that we wanted to keep it to this size. We also wanted to make the shape as flat as possible. What else....maybe the thickness? Yes, we were pretty particular about the thickness of the device.
Q: Until now, the Playstation platform has distinguished the controller buttons by different colours but this time they are all white. Why didn't you use different colours to distinguish them?
Kawanishi: We took into consideration the colour of the overall unit and the balance of the design.
Although sales are yet to begin, what is your thinking with regard to colour variations?
Kawanishi: At the start of sales, black will be the only colour but, after that, we will keep that (colour variations) under consideration.
In making the PSP, what sort of things presented difficulties?
Kawanishi: Well, getting everything into this small unit was a challenge. Mechanically speaking, there is an LCD, motherboard and also the UMD drive inside; getting all of those things into such a thin unit was the most difficult. As for the frontal area, we put in the biggest LCD we could along with the controller so that was pretty tough too.
In terms of the internal semiconductor electronics - this was the most challenging thing - the work to fit all the functions of various devices on to one chip in such a short period of time was difficult. We call it "System On Chip (SOC)" and we have been able to achieve it this time. In terms of days, it took us 1 year..or a bit less (laughs).
Q: Apart from the digital direction pad, there is also an analog pad - was that something you felt you had to include?
Kawanishi: As the PS2 has an analog stick, there is a lot of software that has been designed with the view that there will be an analog stick. We didn't want to lower the specifcations from that point.
Q: The response (of the controls) is quite good, isn't it?
Kawanishi: That's because we have managed to achieve the same level of sensitivity (resolution) as the Playstation 2 controller.
Q: The Playstation 2 has two analog sticks but, as might be expected, you weren't able to include two in the PSP?
Kawanishi: That's right. Sorry... (laughs)
Q: Does that mean two controllers aren't required?
Kawanishi: If you wanted to include two, it wouldn't be impossible. However, it would be troubling if the face was littered with buttons and users did not know which one to press.
Q: Will it be possible to link the PSP and the Playstation 2?
Kawanishi: Sending and receiving of data via a USB connection, wireless LAN or Memory Stick will all be possible. Because two-way communication is possible with USB, you will be able to display information (identical or different) on the screens of both the Playstation 2 and the PSP at the same time. It is also technically possible to use the PSP as a Playstation 2 controller (Editor: It is not clear whether this is currently possible).
Q: Speaking of USB, with the Playstation 2 it is possible to connect the EyeToy USB camera and play games. If a driver was included in PSP software, would it also be possible to do this on the PSP?
Kawanishi: Although they both use USB, the Playstation 2 and PSP are slightly differerent. The PSP uses a smaller USB connector so direct connection is not possible. You could use a converter to connect them but I think, if we were going to do it, we would make a connector specifically for the job. With USB, there are many possibilities to use devices such as GPS and cameras. I think using these devices would be very interesting from a gaming point-of-view.
Q: The PSP is also compatible with video content but is support for region coding and parental lock functionality installed? As we would expect, is it based on the DVD-Video standard?
Kawanishi: There is the problem of how far do you go but we thought it was sensible to implement the concept of regions, as it is already accepted by the market. For the UMD-Video standard, we intend to set the region in a similar way.
Q: On the PSP, the XMB (Cross Media Bar) will start up if you press the HOME button. Will firmware and XMB updates be possible?
Kawanishi: Updates are technically possible using Memory Stick or network transfer. I think firmware and software updates will be done using those methods.
Q: We know the hardware specifications are fixed but will development of the firmware continue until the last minute?
Kawanishi: Yes, that's right.
Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20041015/scej.htm
Don't miss the remaining instalments of the PSP developer interview. Coming up in the next few days:
Part 2
- LCD size and beauty were critical
- Battery life under final adjustment
Part 3
- UMD game boot-up time of same order as PS2
- PC management of MemoryStick saved data possible
- Network connections? - no problem
[addsig] |
BOSSHOGG
Joined: Dec 19, 2002
Posts: > 500
PM |
In that interview it was hinted that there may be a launch delay(despite no actual date being set), apparently he blamed the developers for not having anything ready.
And when you connect it to a PC using the USB cable, it shows up as an external drive, allowing you to drag and drop mp3, ATRAC3 and jpeg files into it. |
axxxr
Joined: Mar 21, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Londinium
PM, WWW
|
PSP developer interview (Part 2) - LCD specs, battery life
In the second part of our PSP developer interview translation series, Mr Izumi Kawanishi, head of Sony's Network System Development Section, discusses the details of the PSP's gorgeous 4.3" widescreen LCD display and battery life.
Mr Izumi Kawanishi
Head, Network System Development Section, Research and Development Division, Sony Computer Entertainment
Key figure in development of hardware for Playstation 2, Playstation Portable and other systems at Sony Computer Entertainment
LCD SIZE AND BEAUTY WERE CRITICAL
Q: When I saw the PSP in the flesh for the first time, my first impression was that the LCD display is really big. Was the size of the LCD display given a high priority during development?
Kawanishi: It's the trump card of the PSP design.
Q: Please tell us the details behind the decision to make the LCD display 4.3" in size.
Kawanishi: We placed a lot of importance on the LCD specifications and screen size as we wanted it to be something that customers would regard as beautiful. Of course, there are also mobile phones and PDAs but we didn't want to compromise and be in a situation where people would say, "it's small so this is about all it can display". For a specification for a screen that is small yet still satisfying, surely this size is the only choice? We think that this is the minimum size that can meet the specification to display SCE games, as well as other types of content.
Q: Did you use any methods to make the LCD display appear bigger? For example, the design is such that the LCD just fits into the main unit and I felt that this made the screen appear bigger.
Kawanishi: No, actually it was the other way around. The size of the LCD size was decided and then, while trying to keep the PSP as small was possible, we integrated all the various functionality. I think it would look a bit strange if the support frame had to be bigger. That's why the size of the LCD was a relatively important point, I think.
Q: With a screen this big, there is the worry that it will be damaged or scratched. Have you take any measures to counter this?
Kawanishi: We plan to apply a protective coating to the face of the unit (in contrast to the demo systems displayed at the Tokyo Game Show) .
Q: Will it be possible to adjust the brightness of the display?
Kawnishi: Yes, fine adjustment will be possible.
Q: The PSP has a 16:9 widescreen TFT LCD screen. Why did you decide to use a wide display?
Kawanishi: Although most recently released TVs have 16:9 screens, game software has continued to be developed in the old 4:3 format. We wanted to break away from this situation (the 4:3 format). 16:9 displays are the way of the future. Although there are a lot of people who enjoy games in the 4:3 format on the Playstation 2, the PSP is an all-in-one unit and, therefore, not tied to a 4:3 display. Based on this, we took on a challenge and went with a 16:9 display. As the PSP is a self-supporting/independent unit, it was possible to advance to the next generation.
The fact that we were able to realise such a big screen will have a signifcant impact on the games developed, I think. Therefore, if you make a realistic game, you can be immersed in that world or, with a lighter game, you can play it anywhere and anytime. I think the possibilites for game content will expand as a result.
BATTERY LIFE UNDER FINAL ADJUSTMENT
Q: Concerning the rechargeable battery, was the decision to use a removeable battery and not an internal (non-removeable) one made at the start of development?
Kawanishi: Yes, that's right. With a removeable battery, you can remove it and replace it when it runs out. If you became unable to use the PSP at the same time, it would be a little sad (i.e. if the battery was internal and non-removeable).
Q: Will you sell reserve batteries as well?
Kawanishi: Yes.
Q: Regarding the battery, the point we're most anxious about is the battery life. How long will it last?
Kawanishi: It will depend on the software being used. There are many different uses for this device - for example, you could watch a lot of movies or use wireless lan a lot - and the battery life will change quite a bit depending on how it is used. We're currently in the process of fine-tuning the way the software will be made in conjunction with software makers (to maximise battery life).
Q: I assume that the battery life will be consumed quicker the more you use the UMD drive or wireless LAN?
Kawanishi: Yes, because that's a fundamental principle. (laughs)
Q: For example, the PSP will also be able to deal with video content - will you be able to watch at least one movie?
Kawanishi: Of course, that's the mimimum requirement. The battery will last quite a bit longer than that.
Q: Is the standard method of battery charging with it inserted in the PSP? Also, will you be able to charge the battery while playing a game?
Kawanishi: The battery will be charged while it is in the PSP. Charging will be possible (while playing a game connected to the AC adapter). At the moment, we have no plans to sell a separate charger. Charging will occur in a cradle-like device.
Q: Will the cradle be sold separately?
Kawanishi: There are terminals to the side of the AC adapter connector. They are for the cradle. (Editor: Did he just avoid answering the question?!)
Q: How long will it take to charge the battery fully?
Kawanishi: I can't give you an exact answer yet but it's not like it will take many hours. You can charge the battery pretty quickly. Recently, mobile phones can be charged pretty quickly, right? Well, (the charging time will be) in that region. (Editor: About 2 hours?)
Q: There is an element of uncertainty regarding the heat that will be generated by the battery and the spinning UMD media. How is that situation?
Kawanishi: We have included counter-measures precisly for that purpose. The body may become a little warm but it will not be a problem.
Q: For those times, for example, when you are playing a game on the train and have to stop, is there a resume function?
Kawanishi: The program's composition will actually determine in what way this can be done. Whether you will be able to save a game state and restart from that point is something that will depend on the software maker's methods. We plan for the PSP's main software to operate in this way though.
Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/docs/20041015/scej.htm
Don't miss the other instalments in our PSP developer interview series:
Part 3 (coming soon!)
- UMD game boot-up time of same order as PS2
- PC management of MemoryStick saved data possible
- Network connections? - no problem
[addsig] |
axxxr
Joined: Mar 21, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Londinium
PM, WWW
|
PSP developer interview (Part 3) - UMD, Memory Stick, Networking.
Today, in the final instalment of our PSP developer interview series, the head of Sony's Network System Development Section, Mr Izumi Kawanishi, discusses the PSP's boot-up time, saved data management and network functionality.
The previous instalments in the interview can be found above.
UMD BOOT-UP TIME SIMILAR TO PLAYSTATION 2
Q: Regarding the UMD, what level of shock and vibration can it tolerate?
Kawanishi: Internally, there is a mechanism to cache a certain amount of data while reading. It is similar to the anti-skip mechanisms that aleady exist in current products. While playing a game, the UMD is not always spinning; it can be controlled by software so there will be continuous read/pause operations.
Q: What happens if data cannot be read?
Kawanishi: For most game software, it will try and re-read the data so, as long as the disk is not badly damaged, it should be OK.
Q: For example, you shouldn't eject the UMD during game play should you?
Kawanishi: Of course, we don't want you to do that but, if you did, there are counter-measures implemented. The cover of the UMD drive can basically be opened anytime but, if the UMD is removed, we can deal with it through software. The Playstation and Playstation 2 also have that kind of software mechanism to deal with the the disc being removed. For example, if you open the tray of the Playstation 2 during a game, in most cases, the game can be resumed if you close the tray again.
Q: Getting back to the UMD - there isn't a cover on the read section on the reverse side and one section is completely exposed. Will the production discs be the same? Will the discs be OK?
Kawanishi: The production discs are the same. DVD and other media are already handled in an uncovered state. It will be OK.
Q: Can the UMD be manufactured in a similar way to DVDs?
Kawanishi: Yes, that' right. The UMD can be manfactured without the need to change much infrastructure. As a result, it can be mass-produced at a cost that doesn't differ that much from DVD.
How long does the UMD take to start up?
Kawanishi: It takes about the same amount of time as the Playstation 2, I think.
Q: When you considered the concept of viewing movies from UMD, I'm sure you also considered that some people would like to be able to record to UMD. Have you given any thought to a standard, or the sales of an external drive, for that?
Kawanishi: That's not part of our thinking. The UMD standard is being advanced as a read-only standard.
Q: Given that the UMD is read-only, where will saved game data be recorded?
Kawanishi: On Memory Stick. If there is no Memory Stick, game data cannot be saved. The reduced-size "Memory Stick DUO", in both normal and high-speed "PRO" types, is supported. If you are only going to save data, it is not necessary to have MagicGate support.
Q: Until now, the ability to save game data on a generic memory type was probably not the established practice for game devices. This was probably due to uneasiness related to the fact that it would be easier for data to be tampered with. What sort of strategies does Sony Computer Entertanment have in place for that?
Kawanishi: Yes, we have measures in place to deal with it by default.
Q: Will it be possible to copy game data saved on a Memory Stick to a PC for storage?
Kawanishi: Yes, that will be possible. There are two reasons for that - one is that we want to protect game data. The other is, because the media is generic, you might want to use or copy other data, such as JPEG image files, from a PC. Our thinking is to support both types of use.
For example, things like a specific character or data, you want to be able to easily take them anywhere, don't you? Memory Stick can be used for those types of things as well.
Q: What about when the PSP and a PC are connected via USB?
Kawanishi: If you connect the PSP to a PC via USB, the Memory Stick will be recognised by the PC as a mass-storage device and you can write directly to the Memory Stick. For example, you can do things such as write JPEG images to the Memory Stick and then view them on the PSP.
Q: What about, for example, downloading data from a network via the wireless LAN, writing it to a Memory Stick and then running it - game demos could be distributed this way, I think - will that sort of thing be possible?
Kawanishi: It's technically possible. However, we want to promote UMD first, so software will be released on UMD in the beginning.
NETWORK CONNECTIONS - NO PROBLEMS
Q: I'm sure you held discussions with game developers, where there any specifications that they particularly wanted?
Kawanishi: Yes, wireless LAN was particularly important. Also, things like the easiness of game development. After all, if you pursue those sorts of things, you will want to make good games (laughs). The game manufacturers certainly didn't say, "it's portable, so it's OK if the specs are a little low." We wanted to answer their requests as we want to quickly pursue better and better things. On the other hand, because it's a mobile device, easy and fun games are also OK and we hope that content will increase due to that.
Q: What were the reasons for wanting to include network functionaility?
Kawanishi: That was our thinking from the start. We considered it necessary functionality to have as a method of communication.
Q: I'm sure there was a lot of spirited discussion but what was the reasoning behind the decision to go with IEEE 802.11b?
Kawanishi: It's the most widely supported standard and that's why we adopted it.
Q: Is it possible to access the PSP from a wireless router?
Kawanishi: There should no problems in particular with connecting to wireless routers or access points in homes.
Q: A question concerning game development, will it be possible to make MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) games?
Kawanishi: That should pose no problems. Network games that connect to standard networks can be developed in the same way as for the Playstation 2.
Thankyou very much for your time.
Until now, not much information on the PSP (Playstation Portable) had been released but it appears that hardware development is complete and more progress has been made than was thought, including in the area of software development. With sales set to begin by year's end, the PSP is certainly a piece of hardware that will continue to capture our attention.
And now,Sony PSP on sale from 12 Dec at £107.00 (usd195)
[addsig] |
axxxr
Joined: Mar 21, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Londinium
PM, WWW
|
Looks like Sony is reusing their "TOOL" Playstation 2's as part of their PSP development kits. I guess I never realized how similar Playstation 2 and PSP hardware really is. And I'm just guessing, but is that a UMD emulator that uses DVDs instead of Sony's proprietary discs? I know some pirates who would kill for something like that.
[addsig] |
axxxr
Joined: Mar 21, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Londinium
PM, WWW
|
Have any of guys seen this?... 
http://www.esato.com/board/viewtopic.php?topic=73995
[addsig] |
nickorooster
Joined: Sep 28, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: UK (Originally NZ)
PM |
I would buy it if I wasn't broke. But I am. SO there.
I have been looking forward to the Gizmodo (Formerly Gametrac) because of it's GPS and SMS sending capability. I bought a p800 instead, and now am no longer interested. Their web-site says the release is "summer" but summer's over and no sign of even a publicity release. They never reply to any emails either. SO I don't trust them.
But PSP looks AWESOME. When it goes down dramatically in price, I think I'll take a serious look at that.
Nick
|
axxxr
Joined: Mar 21, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: Londinium
PM, WWW
|
Nintendo DS vs. PSP
Width
Height
Depth
Nintendo DS 148.7mm
84.7mm
28.9mm
Playstation Portable, "PSP" 170mm
74mm
23mm
[addsig] | |
|
Access the forum with a mobile phone via esato.mobi
|
Posted: 2004-10-14 20:57
ink p800:: 
urple t630:: 
