You have a movie, a few episodes, or even a folder of clips, and a Sony PSP that you would like to use as a little screen for them. This is because the PSP has standards! Usually, when you drag an AVI file onto the memory card, nothing happens at all. The patching will take around 10 minutes, and you can follow the steps in this write-up to transfer your videos to your Sony PSP.
What kind of video files can be played on a Sony PSP?
The Sony PSP can handle MP4 video files that use the H.264 AVC video codec and the AAC audio codec. Other codecs, such as AVI, MKV, WMV or a downloaded MOV, require conversion before they can be displayed. This is the full secret reason the majority of initial efforts fail.
A full HD file will not give it any further advantage, since the screen is 480 x 272 pixels. No point in there, and it can cause playback to glitch. Our recommended settings are:
The PSP can support other MP4 sizes, but this is the safest one. It supports PSP-1000, PSP slim, PSP-3000 and PSP GO.
What are the things you need to do first?
There are four items required, and you likely have all of these items already:
- The Sony PSP has a little power remaining. Use it while copying – otherwise, it will die partway.
- A Memory Stick that has free space. The PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000 use a Memory Stick PRO Duo. Storage is provided either by PSP Go's built-in storage or a Memory Stick Micro.
- USB Data cable. Some of these cables are only charging, and the #1 issue with my computer is that it can't see my PSP.
- A computer-based video converter. HandBrake is free and available for Windows, Mac and Linux. There are many other converters available; some have a preset for PSP.
One more thing. Convert videos you own or have permission to use only. Anything that you've shot yourself or legally purchased is fair game.
What is the best way to convert a video to your Sony PSP?
You'll open your converter, load your video, and configure the output to an MP4 video with the H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec, at 480 x 272 resolution. It is this one step that makes a file playable by the PSP. The names of the buttons vary from program to program, but the procedure is similar to the following:
- Load your source file. Use the Open button, or drag it into the converter.
- Select the output format. Choose MP4. If a PSP preset is available, use it and verify the numbers against those listed in this table.
- Use H.264 video codec and 480x272 resolution. If the source is wide screen, allow the converter to crop or add thin black bars, but don't stretch the image.
- Set the bitrate. Stick around 1200kbps to begin with. If it is too large, lower it, and if it appears blocky, raise it.
- Assign the audio to AAC 128 kbps stereos.
- Name it something simple, such as movie1.mp4 and begin conversion.
It is generally a feature-length film which may take several minutes to half an hour, depending on your computer. A shorter clip can be performed virtually in no time. Try using one short clip first for a test. If it does play, you can convert the rest using the same settings, thus avoiding the guesswork.
How can you copy a video to your Sony PSP via USB?
You can connect the PSP to the computer, enable USB Connection and copy your MP4 to a VIDEO folder on the Memory Stick. Then the PSP adds the file to the Video list at its home screen. The entire sequence comes from here:
- Power on the PSP and connect the PSP to the computer with the PSP-USB cable.
- Navigate to Settings, USB Connection and click the X. It will display the message: "USB mode", and the computer will recognize the PSP as a removable disk drive.
- In the Computer, open the drive in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
- There should be a folder in the root titled VIDEO. If it does not exist, create one, and enter the capitalized name.
- Place MP4 files into the file box: VIDEO. Wait until the transfer is completed. Larger files will require a longer playtime, and if the Memory Stick starts slowly, it may seem like it is freezing, but it is not.
- Click on the computer to safely eject the drive from the computer for PSP, and press Circle to exit USB Mode.
Do not pull the cable when the PSP is in USB mode. This way, you can corrupt the files on the card.
Got a card reader? You can also remove the Memory Stick from the PSP, insert it into the memory stick reader, and copy it in the same manner. It helps make it quicker for large quantities.
How to play videos after loading them on your Sony PSP?
Navigate to the home menu on the PSP, go to the Video icon and select the Memory Stick, then select your file. If the PSP Go model used the internal storage, check the same menu for internal storage. Press X to play.
The video can be paused, advanced, and rewound, and the screen can be sized and its brightness altered via on-screen options. It is recommended to work with widescreen files at their original size. For a clip that looks like it has black bars and seems very small, zoom in.
I can't see my video on my Sony PSP!
In 90% of cases, it's one of five issues: the wrong folder, the wrong codec, too high a bitrate, the wrong audio track, or the wrong charger cable. The common ones are listed in the table below.
If you have done all of this and it still doesn't work, then update the PSP to the most recent version of the PSP software. Old firmware may not like certain types of files.
What is the maximum video memory of the Sony PSP?
Assuming the above settings, a PSP video consumes approximately 600 MB/hr. That puts about 6 hrs of video on a 4 GB card, and about 50 hrs on the largest size the PSP is normally paired with, a 32 GB card. Games and saved data are on the same card; leave some space.
A basic guideline: the lower the bitrate, the more videos you get. Clearly, 1,000 and 1,500 kbps may be hard to see on a 4.3-inch screen, but 2x as many episodes fitting on the card will be noticeable.
A few tips which can help save time.
- Batch convert. Most converters can queue for an entire season. Running it through the night.
- Don't choose long or complex file names. Avoid alternate symbols and extremely lengthy names. Easier to differentiate the episodes, and some PSP menus do truncate names.
- Back up your card. Regularly transfer the VIDEO folder to the computer. Memory Sticks can get broken.
- Charge first. A low battery is not compatible with a long copy session.
FAQ
What video file formats can be played on the Sony PSP?
Sony PSP supports RTP/T (streaming) H.264 (AVC) video files and AAC audio. The best settings are to encode at PSP screen resolution (480 x 272) with 1,000 to 1,500 kbps.
Is it possible to transfer AVI/MKV movies onto a Sony PSP?
Not directly. The PSP cannot play AVI or MKV files. Convert them using a video converter to an MP4 (H.264 video, AAC audio) first, then copy the converted video to the VIDEO folder.
On what folder should I put videos on my PSP?
Place them in a folder called VIDEO at the top level of the Memory Stick. If it doesn't exist, create it in capital letters. That folder is listed under Video in the PSP's Menu.
Sony PSP - how many videos can fit?
This will vary based on the memory card being used. The typical video rate for a PSP is 1,300 kbs to 600 MBs per hour; thus, a 4 GB Memory Stick holds about 6 hours of viewing, and a 32 GB card can hold approximately 50 hours of viewing.
Is there a specific software to transfer videos to a Sony PSP?
No, you will require a video converter for converting the file format to the correct one, a USB cable, and the PSP's USB Connection mode. From then on, it's just a standard drag-and-drop copy to your computer's file manager.
Does PSP Go the same?
Yes. Even though the PSP Go has a different video format, everything is placed in the same VIDEO folder. The difference lies in storage—unlike a full-size Memory Stick Duo slot, it has built-in flash memory and a Memory Stick Micro slot.
Preparing to play with your Sony PSP?
Convert it to MP4 format, place it in the VIDEO folder, and tap it to play. After the initial video, it takes approximately a minute per video. Discover a short clip and start today! If you want more games or more items for your handheld, keep coming to Poki Uno.