Hacking the PSP Blog

LuaSQL Developer Tool Released (neat!)

PSP News Reports:

News/release from shaolan is something for those who know how SQL and databases work so for the majority of us this wont be good for us, but heres the translated newspost: (note from Auri - this is actually a good thing, if we can access a SQL database there's a lot we can do from the PSP from an application standpoint)

All of abors veiled all the necessary file:
LuaSQLv0.1.rar

Then you must have a server supporting PHP, with many on SQL database

Server side:

If you have an archive file PHP, metté its contents at the root of your server (or is generally your "index.php")

You: votre_serveur / LUA / SQLRequest.php

Cote PSP:

Code:

-- / / Calls to the bookstore
Dofile ( "SQLRequest.lua")
-- / / Initializing connection
SQL.init (server, database, login, password)
-- / / Connect to the database
SQL.connect ()

Code:

-- / / SELECT Request
Variable = SQL.select (table, field, parameter)

-- / / UPDATE Request
SQL.update (table, field value parameter)

Code:

-- / / Closing connection SQL
SQL.close ()

Note:
- When you make the UPDATE query, the query if it is well spent, the variable SQL.error is false if there was a mistake it true worth

- The library uses by default the first WiFi connection, and operates under the LUA PLAYER 0.16

- DAns the parameter you can save as much as you want, but the spaces doivents be replaced by% 20 and evité quotes singles or doubles for the moment

It was only the first version, I intend to optimize shortly and metttre available throughout the SQL query, this is a "preview" rendering final ^ ^

CODE GOOD!

Download here.

PSP Firmware 3.73 fixes "UMD Bug"

3.72 identical to "New" 3.73 (funny!)

ark Alex and Mathieulh have posted this info:

After much investigations from Alex and I, we concluded that the 3.73 firmware is fully identical to the 3.72 firmware, the only thing that changed were the module versions and the index.dat/version.txt that display the firmware version. ALL the kernel and vsh modules are the same, so are the rco files.

As you know this does not really make sense and we have yet to find out why sony issued a new firmware revision when nothing was changed. Perhaps there may be some flaw in the updater itself that may explain this move, I don't think we will ever know for sure.

Also this the part when some "coder" gets greeted by noobs because of being so "fast" to port "his" custom firmware to 3.73 while nothing at all changed from its previous 3.72 version. I will let you all figure out who that might be...

UPDATE: lflash_fatfmt seem to have changed a bit (over 20 different bytes) but that's all we could find, no critical change and certainly does not need ANY patches to be modified/updated in any way to run a custom firmware, perhaps the bugfix is there (we are not sure of that yet, we are curently taking a closer look at the module to be sure)

Source: PSP News

Sony Releases PSP Firmware 3.73

Sony today released a "new" version of the PSP Firmware... funny, though, Dark Alex & Co. looked into it and, umm, it's the *same* ???

The other funny thing is, while it's available on the PSP's Software Update, there's nothing on Sony's PSP System Update site... maybe it will be updated later?

3.73 PopsLoader Released

(note that downgrading or modifying your firmware can irreparably break your PSP, so you use this stuff at your own risk!)

News/release from Red Squirrel:

Hi, sorry for my bad english (i'm italian :P).
i would to present to this wonderfull community my last creation (or, better, "modification" ).

3.73 Dark_Alex PopsLoader

Download of the package from HERE

What's it?
It's a modded version of the 3.71 Dark_Alex PopsLoader that allows to load prxs of the new Sony Firmware 3.73.
3.73 pops will take the place of 3.72 pops.

N.B.: This is "only" a modified version of the original Dark_Alex's PopsLoader, so all rights and merits belong to him!

Installation
The same of original POPSLoader.
To obtain 3.73 prxs you can use RSPsar Dumper (or M33Psar Dumper).
PRXs must be decrypted, so you need to use SQUARE option in Psar Dumper.
Necessary PRXs are the same of 3.72 pops, so: popsman.prx, pops.prx, libpspvmc.prx e pafmini.prx.

Later you need to insert PRXs in /SEPLUGINS/POPSLOADER as popsman373.prx, pops373.prx, libpspvmc373.prx e pafmini373.prx.
At the end you need to overwrite original PopsLoader.prx with the one contained in the package.

Thanks
To Dark_Alex, the only POPSLoader inventor and creator

Source: PSP News

Download here.

(Off Topic) Internet Rights Forum proposes ratings system changes

Forum wants stricter ratings for online games allowing text, chat

The Internet Rights Forum, a French lobbying group, has issued new guidelines for online game publishers and legislators.

Along with proposing an on-screen timer to let players know how much time they are spending online, the group is proposing changes to the ratings system for online games according to a PC World article.

Currently, European publishers use the voluntary PEGI rating system with categories based on recommended ages such as 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+, and 18+. Because online games may expose players to text messages and conversations beyond the control of publishers, however, the Internet Rights Forum wants to strengthen the ratings system.

The group is proposing that games which allow text messages cannot be rated 3+ or 7+, and can only be rated 12+ if the game's text messages are moderated by an adult.

The Internet Rights Forum also wants publishers to guarantee that age ratings will apply to in-game advertisements, and to put warnings on packaging if an online game contains ads.

Some of the groups' recommendations could be applicable across Europe, according to spokesman Laurent Baup, while others specifically address French laws restricting hate speech or defining intellectual-property rights.

The Internet Rights Forum plans to create a Web site for parents and teachers, warning about the risks of online games, that should launch early next year.

Source: Game Industry

(Off Topic) Sega Mega Drive Portable Video Game Player Released

AT Games have today released the Sega Mega Drive Portable Video Game Player, a new handheld boasting 20 of the finest Sega Megadrive games inc the likes of Ecco and Sonic the hedgehog built into an Handheld, the handheld also has TV Out so its great for the bigscreen too. Will this be handy for hacking/homebrew too, time will tell.

Heres the description etc

features
Plug & play portable video game system
20 built-in 16-bit SEGA licensed games
Built-in speakers
TV out connection
TV format: NTSC
Requires 3xAAA size batteries. (battery not included)

description
The Mega Drive Portable is a video game player, which is pre-loaded with 20 classic games from SEGA Master System. There is no need to buy game cartridges. The Mega Drive Portable game player has an A/V connector and with the included cable the player can be connected to any TV. The built-in SEGA games provide action adventure while testing your intelligence and skill. Enjoy playing classic SEGA games anytime, anywhere with the new Mega Drive Portable video game player.

Play Asia are selling for Price: US$ 39.90 (~19.47 GBP)

Buy from Here --> http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2f9m.html

Source: PSP News

UltraPandora Installer v1 Released

News/release from Hellin:

UltraPandora Installer is a PSP APP for create all the necessary things to do a a Downgrade or Unbrick to a Fat or Slim PSP.

Before start, you have to meet this requeriments:


1º- To have a Slim or Fat PSP with CustomFirmware 3.xx

2º- To have a Memory Stick Duo 256MB or more, but less than 4GB (1GB recommended). 4GB MEMORY DO NOT WORK

3º- To have a Compatible Battery with Pandora (Level charge 100%)

*Compatibility list:

o Sony's "standard" Li-ion 1800 mAh
o Datel, PSP Battery 3600 mAh (X2)
o Datel, PSP Battery 1800 Max Power
o Sony PSP-280 2200mAh
o Atomic Battery Pack 3.6V 1800mAh

* No compatible:

o 2600 mAh Mega Battery Pack
o Sony PSP-280 2200mAh (Fake)
o Battery 3600mAh, Mark unknown, (china made model NK-RH008) (Fake)


__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________________________________

*************************
* OPTIONS & FUNCTIONS *
*************************


- Allows Memory Stick formatting

- You can extract files from 1.50 Update and MsIpl.bin

- MsIPl installation in Memory Stick (Optional for PSP_Ms_Multi_Loader's users)

- Despertar del Cementerio V3 installation

- Pandorize Battery

- Do a normal Battery

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________________________________

******************
* INSTALLATION *
******************


If you want to do a Downgrade in a FAT or Slim PSP or Unbrick this, you have to follow this instructions:


*Example to Downgrade or Unbrick to 1.50:


1º- You meet the Requeriments. If you don't meet the requeriments, DON'T DO IT!!

2º- Take the PSP with Custom Firmware and connect it to the USB.

3º- Extract the .rar and copy the MsRoot content to the Memory Stick.

4º- Desconect the PSP from the PC and start the new APP of theMemory Stick (Juegos/Memory Stick).

5º- In the menu, select "Formatear Memory Stick"

6º- We have to conect again to the USB and copy again the MSROOT content to the Memory Stick

7º- Now, we have to copy the Oficial Firmware 1.50 to the Memory Stick, you have to rename it to UPDATE150.PBP.

8º- Desconnect your PSP from the PC and execute the APP again.

9º- In the menu,now, we select "Extraer Archivos Update 1.50".

10º- When it finish, we have to select "Instalar MsIpl.Bin"

11º- When it finish, we select "Pandorizar Bateria"

12º- FINISHED!,now, you have to exit from the APP and enjoy you Magic MS and Magic Battery.


*Example to Downgrade or Unbrick to 3.71 M33-2:


1º- You meet the Requeriments. If you don't meet the requeriments, DON'T DO IT!!

2º- Take the PSP with Custom Firmware and connect it to the USB.

3º- Extract the .rar and copy the MsRoot content to the Memory Stick.

4º- Desconect the PSP from the PC and start the new APP of theMemory Stick (Juegos/Memory Stick).

5º- In the menu, select "Formatear Memory Stick"

6º- We have to conect again to the USB and copy again the MSROOT content to the Memory Stick

7º- Now, we have to copy this firmwares to the Memory Stick:

-Oficial Firmware 1.50, renamed to 150.PBP
-Oficial Firmware 3.40, renamed to 340.PBP
-Oficial Firmware 3.71, renamed to 371.PBP

8º- Desconnect your PSP from the PC and execute the APP again.

9º- In the Menu, we have to select "Pandorizar Bateria".

10º- When it finish, we select "Despertar del Cementerio"

11º- When it finish, we have to exit from the APP.

12º- You have a new APP in the Memory Stick, Despertar del Cementerio, execute it.

13º- FINISHED!!, you can enjoy your Magic Battery and Memory Stick.

Download here... (note that you use this download at your own risk!)

Source: PSP News

(Off Topic) No evidence connecting games and violence, says BBFC

The BBFC has accepted there is no proven link between anti-social behaviour and violent videogames - but said more research is required to conclusively rule any connection out.

Speaking at the appeal hearing yesterday Andrew Caldecott, representing the BBFC, stated, "The board's position is that there is insufficient evidence to prove, as a fact, there is a causal connection between violent games and behavioural harm… It's a perfectly fair point, and one which we accept, but it's not by any means a complete answer to the question the [Video Appeals Committee] has to decide."

On the subject of research presented earlier by Rockstar in defence of its argument, Caldecott said: "The research certainly achieves the objective of establishing that research does not demonstrate that there is a causal link. But what it certainly does not establish is that there isn't."

Read the entire article at Game Industry here...

(Off Topic) Sony & Microsoft Aren't "Green", Greenpeace Accuses

Console manufacturers "completely fail to show environmental credentials"

Greenpeace has publicly shamed Nintendo and Microsoft for lacking any environmental credentials when it comes to electronic waste.

The latest Greener Electronics Guide sees Nintendo become the first company to score 0/10 for its policies and practices on toxic chemicals and takeback.

"The Greener Electronics Guide is our way of getting the electronics industry to face up to the problem of e-waste," detailed Greenpeace.

"Nintendo completely fails to show any environmental credentials and Microsoft and Philips do little better," said the organisation, which for the first time is including home consoles and TVs in the report, alongside PCs and mobile phones.

"Companies shouldn't be under any illusions that we won't check up on their claims of green greatness," commented Iza Kruszewska, campaigner for Greenpeace International.

Read the article at Game Industry here...

Sony reveals official Extended Battery Pack kit

You asked for it ... and now you got it! The PSP Extended Life Battery Kit will work on both the old and new PSP-1000 and PSP-2000 models. This 2200mAh battery will offer 20% more battery life on the older models, and 80% more life on the new slim line. This battery will bulge out slightly on the slimmer PSP systems, so new battery covers will be included. However, those with Star Wars Ceramic White systems are out of luck: doesn't appear a new battery cover is being made for that particular model.

There's no official MSRP and release date yet, but we'll update the post when we get the news.

Read the whole article and see all the photos at PSP Fanboy...

Quake 1 for PSP v 1.0 PSP Slim Optimized

News/release from Cpasjuste:

Thanks to raphael and cooleyes (and jurajstyk of course), i'v made some slim optimisation to the source code :

Quake 1 for PSP v 1.0 Psp Slim Optimized

- Quake heap size is now 40Mb (40Mb of available memory for your hudge quake maps!)
- Disabled debug console that was writing to the memory stick.
- Disabled texture downscale by default
- Libmad software mp3 decoding is replaced by the PSP hardware mp3 decoding!

Thanks to Juraj Styk for his perfect Quake 1 port.
Thanks to cooleyes @ forums.ps2dev.org for his hardware mp3 decode sample.

Source: PSP News

Uberjack Discusses Why Many Emulators Are Released for the Same Game Systems

PSP News Reports:

Our Forum Member Uberjack has posted this on his blog:

One question that I’ve been asked time and time again (and most recently by zx-81) is “why bother porting an emulator when there are other ports already?” This question was beaten to death when SMS Plus PSP was first released, and still comes up occasionally.

The number one reason is simply that I enjoy porting software to PSP, especially classic computer emulators. I like pushing the limits and capabilities of the (yet unnamed) psp library that I’ve been developing since the first fMSX release. The fact that another emulator may already exist (and may, in fact, be better) is a non-issue for me, as I don’t do it for any reason other than my personal satisfaction.

Second reason is that I believe having a choice in emulators is great. The only reason I got into programming for PSP is because I thought that the MSX emulators of the time could be a lot better.

I attempt to port in a manner that makes it possible to merge the PSP port with the main branch of the emulator, and I’m happy to let any interested maintainer of the emulator merge my code with theirs. I don’t generally touch emulation code, unless it results in significant optimization—the only exception to this rule has so far been fMSX and inclusion of SCC/MSXMusic/MSXAudio - and it’s largely thanks to the efforts of Vincent van Dam and his excellent fMSX SDL port.

When possible, I attempt to port a different emulator than one that’s already available. For example, as mentioned earlier, Caprice32 was not my first choice for a CPC emulator. Unfortunately, Arnold’s performance was nowhere near “acceptable,” so Caprice was my second choice.

And finally, there are a number of ported, working, but unfinished emulators that are currently littering my svn repository’s trunk branch, some of which may eventually see the light of day.

Hope this was enlightening. Comments are welcome.

I agree, competition amongst coders only improves the emulators.

(Off Topic) Great deals for Black Friday...

Well, I do a ton of tech shopping all year 'round, but Black Friday is a great day to find some deals non-techie people miss. For example, Fry's is going to have a $199 Core 2 Quad + ECS Motherboard Combo. Average consumer won't buy that, but the processor by itself is worth at least that much, so...

My friend Rick found an article from CNet going over great laptop, HDTV and other deals...

Check out the info here!

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

PSP Mags Galore (again)

PSP News Reports:

Perooz have posted a mass of PSP Magazines for you to browse at, heres the full rundown:

DailyCandy.com - Issue 004
Get the latest from DailyCandy.com for your mobile device including house & home, food & dink, arts, travel and much more.

GQ.com - Issue 002
Get the latest from GQ.com for your mobile device including fashion trends, news, gear, interviews, mens style and much much more.

Nylon Magazine - Issue 015
Get the latest from Nylon Magazine (NylonMag.com) for your mobile device, including fashion, beauty, culture and much more.

Style.com - Issue 006
Get the latest from Style.com for your mobile device including fashion trends, people and parties, shopping, beauty and much more.

The New Yorker - Issue 017
Get the latest from The New Yorker (newyorker.com) for your mobile device including arts and culture, politics, cartoons and much more.

Rotten Tomatoes - Issue 039
Get the latest in entertainment news from RottenTomatoes.com for your mobile device including Movie and Televison updates, Interviews and much more.

AutoBlog.com - Issue 046
Get the latest from AutoBlog.com for your mobile device including automotive news, reviews, spy shots, galleries and much more.

VanityFair.com - Issue 017
Get the latest from VanityFair.com for your mobile device including entertainment news, politics, fame, scandal and much more.

TechCrunch.com - Issue 044
Get the latest from TechCrunch.com, a web blog dedicated to obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies.

Gizmodo.com - Issue 049
Get the latest content from Gizmodo.com for your mobile device including gadget and technology news, reviews and much more.

TreeHugger.com - Issue 046
TreeHugger.com is the leading media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream bringing you green news, solutions, and product information.

Car Magazine - Issue 033
Get the latest from Car Magazine (carmagazine.co.uk) for your mobile device including automotive news and reviews and much more.

Esquire.com - Issue 033
Get the latest from Esquire.com for your mobile device including women, featured magazine articles, style, fiction and much more.

RollingStone.com - Issue 032
Get the latest in entertainment news from RollingStone.com for your mobile device including Music News, Interviews and much more.

The Onion - Issue 031
Get the latest from TheOnion.com for your mobile device. “America’s Finest News Source” brings you the news and views that readers can’t get anywhere else.

PerezHilton.com - Issue 030
Get the latest from Perez Hilton (PerezHilton.com) for your mobile device including uncensored celebrity gossip, news and more.

Download Here --> http://www.perooz.com/v2.0/

(Off Topic) Thanksgiving Treat: Free Halo 3 Song for Guitar Hero III

Tomorrow there is supposed to be a free Guitar Hero 3 song - "Rock the Halo" - on XBox Live. Halo 3 lovers rejoice.

Check out the info at Joystiq:

http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/rock-the-halo-theme-free-for-guitar-hero-3-tomorrow/

Thanks to Josh for the heads up.

Best,

-Auri

UMD Movies $4 or less at GameStop This Friday

I just received GameStop's Black Friday ad email. Starting at 7AM on Friday (11/23):

• Select UMDs $3.99 or under, dozens available to choose from
• 2 gig Memory Stick Duo or SD cards - $20 ($30 off)
• Rainbow 6 Las Vegas for PSP - $9.99 ($20 off)
• PSP Bundles $199.99 each (eh, normal price)

Here's the link to the full ad: http://www.gamestop.com/gs/weeklyad/current/112307/default.asp?affid=3002&mc_id=1123nl

Enjoy!

-Auri

US Senators call for ESRB review

via Games Industry


In the wake of the Manhunt 2 rating furor, several US Senators have called for a review of the ESRB's ratings process.

According to Game Politics, Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Joe Lieberman (ID-CT), Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Sam Brownback (R-KS) sent the letter to ESRB president Patricia Vance yesterday.

All four Senators have been critics of the videogame industry in the past, with Lieberman generally credited with pressuring the industry to create the ratings system after Congressional hearings in the mid-1990's.

Brownback has legislation pending in the Senate which would mandate that the ESRB play games to their entirety before assigning a rating.

The letter made reference to the BBFC ban on Manhunt 2 in which it found that the game contained "unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone." It also noted that the BBFC refused to rate a revised Manhunt 2 in October 2007.

The Senators expressed concern over the Nintendo’s Wii version of the game, suggesting that the Wii's motion-sensitive controller "permits children to act out each of the many graphic torture scenes and murders."

"In sum, we ask your consideration of whether it is time to review the robustness, reliability and repeatability of your ratings process, particularly for this genre of 'ultra-violent' videogames and advances in game controllers," the letter stated.

PlayStation Store for PSP goes live in the US

More on the subject this time from Engadget



The online Playstation Store for the PSP just quietly went live on our side of the world with two downloadable PSP titles, 16 PSone titles, and a handful of themes, wallpapers, and videos. Wipeout Pure and Syphon Filter: Combat Ops are the first two $10 PSP games out of the gate, and highlights of the PSone list include Twisted Metal 2, Crash Bandicoot, and Tekken 2, all for $6. The store requires the download of a Windows-only loader app to transfer files to your PSP -- and now, after waiting all this time for PS3-free downloads, we're kinda wondering why we can't sync up over WiFi. Eh, don't let our grumpy whining bother you -- go get your game on and let us know how things are working for you in comments.

http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/20/p...ive-in-the-us/

Source: Engadget via PSP News

Daedalus Icon Contest Winner Announced

PSP News Reports:

This has been one of the hardest posts I've had to write, because I know whichever entry I pick as winner of the icon competition, a lot of people are going to be disappointed that I didn't pick their favourite.

Trying to select a winner has forced me to think about what I wanted to get out of this competition. On the surface, the main goal of the competition was just to replace the ugly default icon on the PSP's XMB. However as I've checked out all the entries over the past couple of weeks, I've come to realise that the main objective of the competition should be to define an identity for Daedalus.

In the end, one of the main criteria I've used to select the winner is how well the design works as a logo, or identity, for the project as a whole. For this reason I've picked Patrick Ahmann's design:

I think Patrick's design is wonderfully clean and stylish, and the colours look especially crisp and vibrant on the PSP's screen*. The typography, particularly for the 'daedalus' logo is very simple and distinctive and I think it would work well as a logo on the web. What's more, I got quite excited about using the cog motif on the logo as a progress indicator on loading screens

So, well done Patrick!

I want to say a big 'thank you' to everyone who contributed. Many people put a lot of work into this and I'm really sorry that I could only pick one winner. I think the quality of the final 10 was excellent, so if you disagree with my choice hopefully there's something there for you

-StrmnNrmn

More Info --> http://strmnnrmn.blogspot.com/2007/1...winner-is.html

(Off Topic) Sony Halves PS3 Dev Kit Cost... Now it's just shy of $11K

Well, leave it to Sony to think half of $20K is going to attract new developers... If you can't afford $20K to develop a game, $10K probably isn't in the ballpark, either. Maybe they should look at Microsoft's XNA "Game Studio Express" solution for the PC and XBox 360 and, hey, while they're at it, open up the PSP to indie developers...

Read the article here...

(Off Topic) Amazon Having $10 Wii, $139 PS3 on Black Friday? Vote and you might win...

It seems like it could be a really good deal. If you "vote" for a crazy discount on an assortment of items, you can "win" the discount and buy it on Black Friday (the Friday after Thanksgiving). So, check it out - maybe you'll get a deal! Thanks to Josh for letting me know about this...

http://promotions.amazon.com/gp/holiday/amazon-customers-vote

Best,

-Auri

LTE Game Engine 2.2 Source Code released

From the official site:

LTE Game Engine is a powerful 2d/3d game engine for PSP (R) Systems. Since 2006 the project has been mantained by SiberianSTAR, now, after about 2 years since the first release, the source codes are released to permit you to create, modify and upload your version of the engine.

Features

* 3D Game Engine
* Mixed 2D + 3D
* Powerful and customizable 2D GUI
* Native Audio support (mp3, atrac3)
* Native Network (WiFi) support
* Character animation system
* Cel-shading effect
* Dynamic Shadows and Fast Planar Shadows
* Multi-Texturing
* Environmental Mapping
* Render to Textures
* Bone animation system
* Particle effects
* Billboards
* Dynamic Lights
* Powerful 2D with alpha, blend, etc..
* Six image formats supported (.bmp, .png, .jpg, . pcx, .tga, .psd)
* Nine mesh formats supported (.md2, .bsp, .x, .3ds, .obj, .dmf, .dae, ms3d, .b3d)
* Fonts support
* Collision detection
* Terrain generation
* and much more.

LTE Game Engine Source Code is released under the GNU Lesser General Public License.

Download: http://www.ltestudios.com

Source: PSP News

Massive Rumour - Sega CD Emulator Coming to PSP - First Screenshot

The release of the Sega Saturn emulator for the PSP yesterday brought a lot of discussion as to whether Saturn emulation was possible at a decent speed etc.

But on the 6th page of the discussion about the emulator, Notaz the coder behind the port of Picodrive the Megadrive and Sega CD emulator for the GP2X replied to a post by dgbbad :

Originally Posted by dgbbad
hearin some people talk about a sega cd emulator being possible makes me excited. i never would have thought about it before someone brought it up...but my favorite game ever was on sega cd (lunar). yea, i know saturn is out of the question...but if someone was to make a sega cd emulator....i would forsake all others before them.

Notaz then posted this

Oh really?

and this screenshot:



Im sure you are as excited as me about this development and especially as Sega CD Emulation is playable on the GP2X

Thanks to Notaz for posting here at DCEmu and as soon as i hear anymore ill be posting more news

Source: PSP News

Strmnrmn makes progress on PSP Media Engine

PSP Updates reports:

Remember StrmnNrmn's promise over the Media Engine for the Sony PlayStation Portable's Daedalus emulator? The PSP homebrew developer has spent some time reviewing the audio code. StrmnNrmn tried out a PRX incarnate of the Media Engine, thanks to PS2 Dev contributor J.F., and it proved worthwhile in making certain progress into the Media Engine development.

There are still hurdles to overcome, says StrmnNrmn, and one of them includes synchronization. Though the audio code has yet to be run on the Media Engine and tested, the possible synchronization issues are likely to be the main culprit to contend with.

To solve this issue, the developer is looking into testing the Media Engine code extensively to avoid debugging the ME code - a mountain of headaches in itself. The plan is to create a test model for the Media Engine, embodied by a recoded "job manager" program, to simulate the execution of code on the ME itself.

How will it turn out? We'll see when StrmnNrmn comes back from adventuring in seas of code.

Read Strmnrmn's full article

Doom PSP v1.4 Released

We've just recieved word that Chilly Willy has released a new build of the much-loved PSP port of ID Software's Doom FPS. This latest release (v1.4) hosts a number of new updates, and now automatically switches back to the PSP's LCD after you swap out of the TV (for the Slims only) The latest changelog for this package of shotgun-toting multiplatform mayhem is available in the full article.

Download: Doom for the PSP v1.4

Source: PSP Updates

Stackless Python 2.5.1 Released for PSP

News/release from Carlos Eduardo:

After working some time on it, I have updated the Stackless Python for PSP to version 2.5.1, the latest version released and made the application user mode tested on 3.71 firmware.

In this release, I have fixes the problem exiting the application (where it locked the PSP) and tested many other functionality.

Here follows changes between last version:

- The SSL has been removed for now because it was not working on latest release.
- Fixed time and datetime modules to display correct dates and times based on PSP timezones and DST.
- Fixed problems on sys and os modules
- Ported to user mode and 3.xx kernel.

I hope many people could test this release and post feedbacks about it.

The package can be downloaded from here: http://stacklesspsp.googlepages.com/...PSP2.5.1_1.zip

The installation is the same, put the "python" directory on your MS root and place the EBOOT.PBP in your PSP/GAME3xx or GAME dir if you set it to run 3.xx apps.

Source: PSP News

PSP Video Support for Linux: Kpsp Convert v0.3.0

According to PSP News:

Via http://beta.pesepe.com/.

pspgorrister has just released a nice application to convert videos to PSP format, using Linux. It integrates into Konqueror and supports avi, mpeg, mpg....Its in English and Spanish (depends on your KDE language).

Another GREAT feature is that you will be able to convert YouTube videos. Just follow the instructions below, clicking on YouTube video (or even Youtube link, if we dont want to watch that video in that moment )

Installation

Just open a terminal, and write:

• cd ..
• cd Kpsp-Convert0.2.0
• sh ./install.sh

Now, navegate to your favourite video. Click on it with the right button/Actions/Convert to PSP Format. Just select Output folder/Codec and wait for a while.

The codecs of the above of Window codecs give more quality for the final video, but they are also slower.

Note that you could need ffmpeg library (just use Google).

3.71 M33-3 + PopsLoader Released by Dark Alex

Dark_AleX updated his 3.71 Custom Firmware to revision 3 as mentioned a couple of days ago. And released the PopsLoader as well.

Changes in Custom Firmware:

- Fixed a bug in access to flash by usb.

- HEN core: kernel prx's with syscall exports work again.

- PSP Slim: programmers can set the size of user memory to 52 MB by using a sfo flag.
~Check sample in sdk for usage.~

- March33 NO-UMD driver:
* Fixed a bug that could hang the psp when exiting with home.
* Fixed compatibility issue with Castlevania Dracula X Chronicles, and maybe more games.

- Vshmenu: it wasn't displaying properly with PSP slim TV-OUT due to the change of resolution. Fixed.


Changes in PopsLoader:

- Support for 3.71 and 3.72 pops has been added. Note that 3.71 however will not appear in the
list in 3.71 M33 as it is not necessary.

List of files needed for each version:

3.00-3.03: kd/popsman.prx, kd/meaudio.prx, kd/pops.prx, vsh/module/pafmini.prx
3.10-3.30: kd/popsman.prx, kd/pops.prx, vsh/module/pafmini.prx
3.40-3.72: kd/popsman.prx, kd/pops.prx, vsh/module/pafmini.prx, vsh/module/libpspvmc.prx

The files must be decrypted. (use square in psardumper). Support for encrypted&packed files is planned
for the future.

Download: PBP Unpacker
Download: PSAR Dumper

That's it, Enjoy!

Source: PSP News

3.72 Easy Installer Released

Pspfreak101 has made an easy installer for the latest Custom Firmware that was released for the PSP a few days ago:

Well here is the new 3.72 easy installer

*Bugs Fixed*

Now works on xp!!!

Only .net 2.0 is required!!

Download .Net 2.0: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

Download 3.72 Easy installer: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4YNSJ3S7

Source: PSP News

(Warning) "Date Rape" Drug Containing Toy Pulled From Shelves!

AOL Reports:

WASHINGTON (Nov. 7) - Millions of Chinese-made toys for children have been pulled from shelves in North America and Australia after scientists found they contain a chemical that converts into a powerful date rape drug when ingested. Two children in the U.S. and three in Australia were hospitalized after swallowing the beads.

With only seven weeks until Christmas, the recall is yet another blow to toy industry - already bruised by a slew of recalls this past summer.







Millions of Aqua Dots art sets were recalled on Nov. 7 after several children in the U.S. and Australia were hospitalized. The toys contain beads coated with a chemical that converts into a powerful date rape drug when ingested.

In the United States, the toy goes by the name Aqua Dots, a highly popular holiday toy distributed by Toronto-based Spin Master Toys. They are called Bindeez in Australia, where they were named toy of the year at an industry function earlier this year.

It could not immediately be learned whether Aqua Dots beads are made in the same factories as the Bindeez product. Both are sold by Australia-based Moose Enterprises.

The toy beads are sold in general merchandise stores and over the Internet for use in arts and crafts projects. They can be arranged into designs and fused together when sprayed with water.

Scientists say a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolizes into the so-called date rape drug gamma hydroxy butyrate. When eaten, the compound - made from common and easily available ingredients - can induce unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death.

Naren Gunja from Australia's Poisons Information Center said the drug's effect on children was "quite serious ... and potentially life-threatening."

The recall was announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission on Wednesday several hours after published reports about the recall in Australia.

The two U.S. children who swallowed Aqua Dot beads went into nonresponsive comas, commission spokesman Scott Wolfson said Wednesday afternoon.

In Australia, the toys were ordered off store shelves on Tuesday when officials learned that a 2-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl were hospitalized after swallowing the beads. A 19-month-old toddler also was being treated.

The news jolted the toy industry because Aqua Dots has been one of the few bright stars of the toy selling season, which, along with overall retailing, has gotten off to a sluggish start. The item, which had been heavily advertised, had appeared on many toy experts' list of must-have holiday toys, and toy sellers are now in the midst of canceling advertising and scrambling to figure out how to replace it.

Chris Byrne, a New York-based toy consultant, noted that the incidents could have been isolated, and Spin Master may be erring on the side of caution.

"This is something that they could not have foreseen. This is an extremely hot toy. ... It's a little scary," Byrne said.

In a statement, Toys "R" Us Inc., said that it issued on Tuesday a "stop sale" on the entire Spin Master Aqua Dots product line in its North American stores and on its Web site after it learned of the news. "We understand that Spin Master and U.S. regulatory authorities are investigating this product and we have asked Spin Master to fully explain what it believes happened," said the toy seller in a statement.

Meanwhile, a separate recall was announced for 405,000 children's products made in China, most of them toy cars, because of dangerous levels of lead.

The recall includes about 380,000 Pull-Back Action Toy Cars imported by Dollar General Merchandising Inc. of Goodlettsville, Tenn., and 7,500 Dragster and Funny Car toys imported by International Sourcing Ltd. of Springfield, Mo.

Four of the recalled products were imported by Schylling Associates Inc. of Rowley, Mass., including the items Duck Family Collectable Wind-Up Toy, Dizzy Ducks Music Box, "Robot 2000" collectable tin robot and Winnie-the-Pooh Spinning Top. The company recalled another 66,000 spinning tops Aug. 22.

Representatives from Schylling Associates Inc. were not immediately available for comment.

Wednesday's recalls include about 7,200 "Big Red" Wagons imported by Northern Tool & Equipment Co. of Burnsville, Minn. Totaling about 405,700, the recalled children's products all had excessive levels of lead in their surface paint.

Although no illnesses connected to the toy car recall have been reported, lead is toxic if ingested by young children. Children's products found to have more than 0.06 percent lead accessible to users are subject to a recall.

Source: AOL via PSP News

Extra 32 MBytes Now Accessible?

SamuraiX posted this over at ps2dev:

Moonlight has incorporated the addition 32 MBytes to Malloc() when using his SDK for M33-3 (Looking at sample memory test).

This is great news, meaning if you include the SDK with your current project you will now have direct malloc access to the additional memory.

I can't wait to incorporate support for additional memory on my project (OpenBOR) now!


Thank You Moonlight!!!

Does this mean that all emulators can use the extra memory, lets hope so

Source: PSP News

Warning: Playstation 3 Does NOT Support Dolby TrueHD or DTS HD Master Audio

Just a warning to all you who have a Playstation 3 and want to try TrueHD or DTS Master Audio BluRay discs on those expensive HDMI 1.3 receivers... The PS3 doesn't actually support TrueHD or DTS HD Master Audio... Sony is aware of this issue, yet they continue to advertise support of these advanced formats. So, if you want TrueHD or DTS HD Master Audio support, which is waaay cool, do *not* buy the Playstation 3 'cause it sure doesn't support it.

Here's my chat from Sony support on Nov. 7, fyi:

Dan on Playstation support on 11/7/2007 at 2:38 PM ET.

Dan: Hi, my name is Dan. How may I help you?
Auri: Hi, I have a Playstation 3, an audio receiver with DTS HD and Dolby TrueHD support. When using BluRay discs, I have the PS3 set to Bitstream audio out, and I never get TrueHD to play. Even on BDs that have TrueHD or DTS Master Audio audio tracks. Does the PS3 actually support these formats?
Dan: Please allow me to research that for you, I should be back in 1-2 minutes.
Auri: ok
Auri: thanks
Dan: The PS3 is able to decode the audio format from the disc, however at this time it does not have the ability to output in that format.  We apologize for any inconvenience.  Hopefully a future update will address this.  I don't have any information on future updates at this time.
Auri: But doesn't Bitstream Audio Out mean that it just sends the audio straight through without decoding it?
Dan: Currently the information we have is that the PS3 is able to decode TRUE HD but it is not able to output in that format.  Not sure if that answers your question
Auri: So if I go to Sound Settings, then HDMI, then Automatic, I only see Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1, and then a whole bunch of Linear PCM from 2.0 to 7.1 96 KHz. Should I be seeing TrueHD?
Dan: No, that option will not be there with the current firmware
Auri: So what do I need to choose to get Dolby TrueHD output? It appears not to matter whether I'm using Bitstream or not.
Dan: There are no options in the PS3 that will give you TrueHD at this time.
Auri: But the box says it supports TrueHD and your site says it outputs TrueHD. This isn't true?
Dan: At this time, it is not possible to get TrueHD sound from any receiver you would connect to your PS3.  The PS3 does have the ability to decode TrueHD, it just can't output in TrueHD at this time.  Hopefully this will be addressed in future updates
Auri: OK.
Auri: What about DTS Master Audio?
Dan: Same answer, hopefully a future update will clear that up
Auri: Thanks.
Auri: Are there any KB articles that explain this?
Dan: We are working on getting one up soon.
Dan: There is some information from Onkyo regarding this subjest, I can give you the link
Auri: Thanks!
Dan: http://onkyousa.com/faqs_detail.cfm?detail=1&id=273 not sure if this will help
Auri: looking... hold ona  moment :)
Dan: sure
Auri: According to the article:
Auri: "Only when players have the ability to send bitstream signals to the receivers will the receivers be able to decode the signal. Only then will True HD, Dolby Plus or DTS HD be displayed on the front panel."
Auri: So when I set the PS3 to output bitstream, why doesn't it work?
Dan: That is what we are hoping to address in a future update
Auri: Ok, so it's a bug?
Dan: I don't think it would be classified as a bug, just not a feature that is available yet
Auri: But wouldn't it be a bug if the box and your Web site say the system supports TrueHD and DTS HD but doesn't actually support it?
Dan: it does support that format, just cant output at this time.  It converts the signal to PCM
Auri: Yeah, but it advertises it supports it. Most consumers would believe that the expensive equipment they buy for their BluRay setup would work as the box advertises. Then they would connect and not get what they were promised. Onkyo says Bitstream will work. You don't actually send the bitstream - you send PCM. So you actually re-encode it to PCM instead of passing the real signal.
Auri: So that would be a bug, not just "technically".
Dan: I'm sorry you feel that way.  I don't have any further information at this time.
Auri: So can I get it filed as a bug?
Dan: We are aware of this issue.
Auri: So then it's filed as a bug? I hate to be a pest, but it sounds like a bug, but you're telling me it's working as intended?
Dan: We are aware of this issue, hopefully future updates will address this
Auri: Ok, well, thanks for your time!
Dan: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today.
Auri: Thanks. Cya.