Most PSP models can play UMD videos.
Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images News/Getty Images
In addition to playing games and listening to music, the PSP handheld gaming console makes a convenient and portable video playback device. It works with several common video formats and can play movies from several sources. Sony even provides major Hollywood releases for viewing on the PSP using the proprietary UMD video format. Simply insert a UMD disc to begin playback. To watch other videos, open the "Video" option from the main menu and select the video's storage location. Flash videos work from within the PSP's Web browser.
UMD Videos
The PSP can play feature-length movies from UMD video discs. UMD videos of popular films often release alongside DVD and Blu-ray versions and offer similar features, including multiple languages and special content. Some television shows and documentary productions also feature UMD releases. UMD videos work with all versions of the PSP system except the PSP-Go, which lacks a UMD disc drive.
Transferred Video Files
Video transferred from a PC can play on PSP systems. To make the transfer, connect the PSP to a computer using the USB charging cable and turn the system on. Select "USB Mode" from the "System Settings" menu. The computer will recognize the PSP as a removable hard disk. Drag video files to the "Video" folder on the system's root directory for playback on the device. The PSP can play AVI and MPEG-4 videos transferred in this way. Sony also offers the Media Go software as a free transfer method. The program can access the PlayStation Network to download game-related videos and movie content.
PlayStation Network Videos
While Media Go provides one method of connecting to the PlayStation Network, both the PSP and PS3 systems can access the service themselves using an active Internet connection. Any video downloaded from the service will work on either Sony console. Move video files from a PS3 to a PSP using a USB connection.
Flash Files
The PSP's Web browser includes Adobe's Flash player and can play Flash videos as well as other content. The player requires version 2.70 of the PSP software or newer. To watch a video, open a web page with Flash content and select "Yes" when asked to run the plug-in. If Flash is turned off, activate it from the "View Settings" section of the "Tools" menu. The browser can also open Flash video stored on the system's internal memory or a connected memory stick. Select the "File" menu and open "Address Entry." Enter the file path of the video to begin playback.
Photo Credits
- Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images News/Getty Images
