PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

[Raydeus]

I've been looking for a NA PSP since I don't think my japanese level is enough for a Japanese console.

So, while looking at models (I was aiming for a 3000 of course) I noticed the screen on the PSP I was shown yesterday looked (although really bright and crisp) kinda like those screens from old LCD TVs with scanlines and stuff. Now, it wasn't that noticeable, but enough to really annoy me (/techiemode ON).

Then, after doing some research I found out that it is indeed an issue of the new screen they are using. The game I was watching was Chains of Olympus

So my questions are:

-Is this issue also noticeable on other titles?
-Was it bad luck and/or we simply get defective stuff here in MX? (Wouldn't surprise me)
-Or should I get a cheaper model 2000 while they fix the problem in future versions? (Although Wiki says they don't plan to do anything about it since it's a hardware design property)

Help/opinions would be apreciated.

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

This screen interlacing issue is a hardware occurrence for all PSP-3000 models, not just some that may have shipped to your area. Personally, in person it doesn't look nearly as bad as they make it out on the interwebs and in my opinion the good outweighs the bad (the screen is much brighter and more colourful and the response time is much lower...I'd rather take that interlacing than the absurd amount of ghosting seen on 1000 and 2000 models), but I'd say you should really do a comparison of both models side to side if possible to decide for yourself. They'll likely fix it for the PSP-4000 (which isn't announced but is rumoured to be the final PSP model type until the also unannounced PSP2) but don't expect to see it fixed in any of the 3000-line models. My friend says it's noticeable on all titles, but with some more than others. If it's not gamebreaking for you then I'd recommend going with the 3000. The mic is built-in and the form factor is slightly different (rounder on the sides) so it feels a little nicer to hold. The d-pad is also improved, which is a big plus for me since I play a lot of 2D fighters on my PSP.

Also, keep in mind that the PSP is a region free console like the PS3. You can switch the console's main language to English, as well as play English games on it. Some Japanese-only games even have the english language on the UMD so switching the system language to English will play the game in English. The only downside is that UMDs are not region-free and you'll only be able to play Japanese UMDs for movies and music...which isn't that big of a downside. Everything else will work perfectly fine.

[Raydeus]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

I'll try to get both models side to side to see if there much difference, maybe adjusting color/contrast settings I can get it to be less noticeable (you can adjust those right? <_<; )

And as long as I can switch to english for settings I can't understand in Japanese then I'll probably go with one of those FF themed PSPs, just need to find one in black.

Thanks for the info.

[Malacite]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

Here's what I want to know.


When the hell is Sony (or Nintendo for that matter) going to make a Handheld that I can actually see when I'm outdoors?!

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

The PSP-3000 has a more glare-resistant screen than the other models. It's very visible out on a bright day.

[Raydeus]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

Here's what I want to know.


When the hell is Sony (or Nintendo for that matter) going to make a Handheld that I can actually see when I'm outdoors?!

Sore wa muri.

Seriously though, doing that would probably require new battery technology and display materials.

Remember OLEDs? Those screens are awesome and able to work in pretty much any light environment. Yet their life-span and energy consumption rates make them simply unusable for things like this.

But hopefully in a few years.



Edit > I wish I'd had the chance to take that PSP outside while I was checking it out yesterday.

[Pai Pai Master]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

It's not perfect but it is much more visible than the 1000 or 2000 models. It's at least playable which is a lot compared to older PSPs and the DS.

[Omgwtfbbqkitten]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

The 3000 does seem to be the better model from what I've played of late, though by my understanding, Sony recently denied there was a successor in the works.

Its kinda early for that kind of talk anyway, PSP's problem isn't its competition, but more to the end its competing with features that aren't games. That aren't made by Sony. They seem to be breaking even more than profiting on PSP.

The library has substantially improved in the last year. When they make the next system, though, it would be better to focus on its gaming features since their obsession with multimedia features came back to haunt them on PSP.

[TheGrandMom]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?



"Scan lines may appear on scenes where brightness changes drastically, due to the hardware features of the new LCD device on PSP-3000. Installed with this new LCD device, PSP-3000 offers more natural and vibrant colors on its screen, but the scan lines have come out to be more visible as a result of improving response time to alleviate the afterimages on PSP-3000. Since this is due to hardware specification, there are no plans for a system software update concerning this issue."

[Tickmeoff]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

3000 can't be homebrewed, if you have any interest in that.

[Raydeus]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

This is exactly what I was talking about. And it looks pretty similar to what I saw yesterday with CoO so it's probably the same for most games.

Hopefully adjusting brightness/contrast levels (if possible) can aliviate this a little. But I really need to check a model 2000 in motion before I make a decision (although I'm leaning towards 3000 for now).

Edit > If worse comes to worst I'll just play the games on my TV instead. d(-_-; )


PS > I probably wouldn't use homebrewed stuff anyway, heck never even tried using a windower with XI even though I really needed the enhanced macros.

[Malacite]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

My 2000 series is OK for now (not upgrading AGAIN so soon) until they come up with something even better, and you know they will.

[TheGrandMom]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

Ya I have 3 PSP's so I don't see any need to indulge in a 3000 series unless all 3 would break down. LOL Besides I do homebrew so the 3000 series holds little interest for me and that line issue makes me cringe.

[Raydeus]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

What kinda things (homebrewed) do use with your PSP TGM?

[TheGrandMom]

Re: PSP models - 2000 or 3000?

Cookie baking break and I come here.......lol!

I have an assload of PS1 RPG's that I love and I play some of them on my PSP. Also some of my SNES RPG's too. It's one of the reasons I wasn't too excited about Chrono Trigger coming out on DS. I had it on PSP already. LOL Currently enjoying the hell out of Tales of Phatasia. I also use it for obsure JP PSP/SNES titles that never made/make it to the states. I have JP friend that will tell me to try such and such so I d/l it and try it. It's usually a bust since I know very little kanji. LOL I will say that I play the hell out of SNES games on my PSP mainly. SNES has been my favorite system by far so its a little piece of heaven to be in between meetings and able to relax with an old school rpg.

The thing you have to remember though is that the 2000 series can only be homebrewed if you have the right battery. It's easily solved if you can find the "fat" battery and buy one or if a friend has one. Just didn't want you thinking that you could mod it the way it was.