psp-guru

Clue #1 Front view

Genuine uses print ready/control vector art technique to print all the letterings. Fake uses inferior hi-res bitmap to copy the genuine, so zoom in a bit to see the printing flaw. The font on the fake usually is bolder, messy, out of focus and rub off easily.
Genuine card is often thinner than fake. Try fitting the card into an adapter and you may find that it has problem as it doesn't seems to fit into the adapter easily (feels like its squeezing in). Newer 2GB fake (1959MB version) even has problem fitting into a PSP (PlayStation Portable).
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Clue #2 Back view

The font face, font size and printing technique are the main criteria to differentiate the genuine from the fake, so you must take notice.
Genuine has wider 'MADE IN JAPAN' than 'ICES/NMB-003.' while fake usually is the other way around, and some are missing a critical dot '.' at the end of the '-003' word.
Genuine has the letter 'S' in 'MSX-2GS' as Italic than the 'S' used in 'COMPLIES CANADA' and 'ICES/NMB-003' wordings. Fake is using identical normal font face throughout! Also note that genuine has a shorter stroke of the '/' character whereas fake has longer stroke and it is taller than any other characters.
Beware of known FAKE 2GB cards circulating eBay with incorrect model number 'S.MSX-2GN' and serial number 'L406L1L .' The extra S. at the front was covered with a sticker with the rest looks very close to a genuine card.
On the 10 gold metal stripes/contact, genuine is covered fully by the black plastic housing from the top to the bottom end. Fakes may have small black holes on the some metal stripes, some have its gold metal stripe not fully covered by the black plastic housing. Some fakes have internal green color PCB board exposed as pictured displaying its inferior manufacturing defect.
Genuine uses print ready/control vector art technique and has all letterings engraved by laser-etched into the plastic shell of the card. Fake uses inferior hi-res bitmap to copy the genuine, so zoom in a bit to see the printing flaw. The font on the fake usually is messy, out of focus and rub off easily. To know if it is printed, just use your finger to feel the surface as the letterings are a bit raised.
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Clue #3 Retail Packaging view

Genuine clear plastic packaging has long (staple shape) heat seals indicated by the yellow arrows. Fake has round dot glue seals (not heat) indicated by the red arrows.
Genuine hi-speed card (with red-stripe) has 3 vertical staple heat seals on each side of the pack. Genuine also has additional 2 horizontal staple seals across the top of the packaging not found on the fake. This applies to both 1GB/2GB/4GB retail packaging product.
Genuine normal-speed card (without red-stripe) has 9 vertical staple heat seals on each side of the pack while fake only has 3 dot seals on each side. Genuine also has additional 6 horizontal staple seals across the top of the packaging not found on the fake. This applies to both 1GB/2GB/4GB retail packaging product.
To the right hand side of the packaging there are 4 pictures. Some fake has the 4 pictures arranged in incorrect order.
Check holographic sticker status in Clue #6 below.
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Clue #4 Exposing internals
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On the inside, genuine has Sony-marked PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and usually use Samsung flash memory chip wheares the fake does not use the same Sony-marked PCB and is unmarked with unmarked/unknown brand flash memory chip.
Genuine uses BGA (Ball Grid Array) memory chip where the pin connections are beneath the chip whereas the fake uses TSOP (Thin Small Outline Package) chips where its pin connections are on the edge. Fake always perform unreliably.
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Clue #5 Capacity and Transfer Speed
Genuine 2GB has a capacity of 1909MB while some devices will read them at 1910MB. Some older fake 2GB shows 1948MB and 1959MB of memory space when being tested. Newer fake 2GB may now show any of these figures including the 1910MB of a genuine. However some 2GB fakes only have a true capacity of only 512MB/1GB. Try transferring as much data as possible to your card and see if it will hold close to 2GB as most fake 2GB won't hold anything near 2GB.
Genuine hi-speed card (with red-stripe) has a transfer speed at about 80Mbps. Fake has a slower transfer speed with 1948MB fake actually can do about 65Mbps to 70Mbps and 1959MB fake atmost 60Mbps.

Clue #6 Hologram 3D Golden Sticker

If item comes in retail packaging, it will have a golden metallic 3D 'SONY holographic sticker' at the front of the retail box, as pictured. Newer fakes now also have similar identical holographic sticker. Bring the packaging to your nearest SONY retail outlet and ask for a SONY Anti-counterfeit Handy Viewer to tell if your item is genuine. The viewer has 2 see through Lens.
Genuine hologram will appear as complete BLACK when see through the Left lens and Normal on the Right lens.
Counterfeit hologram will appear as Normal through both Left and Right lens.
SONY counterfeit hotline

Sony Australia +61 1300-13-7669 / +61 2-9878-9712

Sony China 800-810-2228 (Toll free hotline) / (86) 10-6588-0933

Sony Germany 0180/5252586

Sony Hong Kong (852) 2345-2966

Sony India (91) 11-51679990

Sony Singapore (65) 6544-8600

Sony UK 08705-111-999

Sony USA +1 888-476-6972

General FAQ

What is a n00b ?n00b = Newbie (Look this up in Wikipedia !)

What is a PSP ?
PSP = Playstation Portable by Sony Computer Entertainment, launched in Japan on December 12, 2004. If you don't know this, wtf are you doing here ?

What is a UMD ?
UMD = Universal Media Disc.It's the media format that Sony uses for various content on the PSP, mainly games and movies.Unlike a regular cd/dvd, a UMD can not be copied/pirated. It is only possible to rip the data on the UMD to a different media, like a flash memory card or a harddisk. So, if anyone tells you that they have pirated UMD's, they are lying.

What is a Memory Card ?
It's a plastic card that contains flash memory for data storage. There are various types - SD, MMS, MSPD, etc. A memory card or flash memory card is a solid-state electronic flash memory data storage device used with digital cameras, handheld and laptop computers, telephones, music players, video game consoles, and other electronics. They offer high re-recordability, power-free storage, small form factor, and rugged environmental specifications.

What is an ISO ?
Simply put, and iso is the disk image of an optical media. So, if you have the image of a cd/dvd on the harddisk, thats an iso. Iso's can be mounted on a virtual drive on the PC and then used like the orginal optical source. Better performance is achieved by running an ISO since there is no waiting for the drive to be ready and the hard drive I/O speed is many times faster than the CD/DVD drive.

What is Homebrew ?
Homebrew is a term frequently applied only to video games that are produced by consumers on proprietary game platforms; in other words, game platforms that are not typically user-programmable, or use proprietary hardware for storage.Some, however, also refer to all non-commercial, "home-developed" games for open architectures as homebrew games, though these typically go under more frequently used labels, such as freeware. Homebrew games are typically developed to be used with emulators. In May 2005, it was found that PlayStation Portables using the 1.00 version of the firmware (meaning original, first launch Japanese-only PlayStation Portables) could execute unsigned code. What this meant in practice was that these PlayStation Portables could run homebrew software, as the mechanism for checking to make sure that software has been approved by Sony had not yet been activated. Later exploits have allowed for PlayStation Portables using later versions of the firmware to run homebrew applications, and development of both new exploits to bypass restrictions and new restrictions to limit unauthorised programs is ongoing.While not all versions of the PlayStation Portable firmware have an exploit at any given time, the versions have been quickly decrypted and rewritten by programmers, allowing for the creation of custom firmware that lacks the prohibition on running unsigned code.

What is Firmware, regarding PSP's ?
Firmware is the PSP's operating system and controls the additional core functionality.Firmware updates have added various features including a web browser, Adobe flash support, additional codecs for images, audio, and video, PlayStation 3.connectivity, as well as security against several security exploits, vulnerabilities, and execution of homebrew programs. If the power supply is lost while writing to or updating the firmware, the console will no longer be able to boot.
Sony firmware Editions1.00 - 12/12/2004 - Original Release, did not have any content authorizaion system yet (initial Japanese release)
1.50 - 24/03/2005 - Added support for new video codecs as well as content authorization (initial North American release)
1.51 - 18/05/2005 - Added a security update
1.52 - 15/06/2005 - Added a security update and support for UMD music (Initial UK Release)2.00 - 01/09/2005 - Added Web Browser and support for Tiff image format, PNG support expanded to user images
2.01 - 03/10/2005 - Added a security update to fix Tiff Exploit. Security update was later found not to work correctly in every version through 3.03
2.50 - 13/10/2005 - Added LocationFree Player2.60 - 29/11/2005 - Added support for Audio RSS feeds2.70 - 25/04/2006 - Added support for Adobe flash player
2.71 - 30/05/2006 - Added support to download Demos from the Web Browser2.80 - 27/07/2006 - Added support for Video RSS feeds
2.81 - 07/09/2006 - Added a security update to fix libtiff exploit and support for memory sticks with a capacity of greater than 4GB2.82 - 26/10/2006 - Added a security update3.00 - 21/11/2006 - Added support for PlayStation 3 Remote Play, PlayStation emulator and a music visualizer
3.01 - 22/11/2006 - Added support for extra PlayStation for PSP games
3.02 - 06/12/2006 - Added support for extra PlayStation for PSP games
3.03 - 20/12/2006 - Added support for extra PlayStation for PSP games
3.10 - 30/01/2007 - Added dynamic normalizer as well as conserve memory option, (and "PlayStation®Spot" menu under "Network" for Japanese version only)
3.11 - 08/02/2007 - Added Reset option for PlayStation Network games [And "Portable TV™" menu under "Network" for Japanese version only]
3.30 - 28/03/07 - PLAYSTATION®Network title performance in order to play was strengthened. - [Disk reading speed] was added to the menu. [It corresponded to the sum nail indication of the item with the RSS channel]. It corresponded to the sum nail indication of the animated picture which is retained in "the VIDEO" folder of the memory stick duo ™. In it reached the point where the file of the following type can be played back "the VIDEO" folder.- MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) video Main Profile (AVC CABAC) with file of size below@@720×480/352×480/480×272* Depending upon the type of data there are some which cannot be played back.

Third-party firmware editionsThe firmware versions listed here are all from writer Dark_AleX; other custom firmware releases exist but are not in widespread use.2.71 SE - Combined features of 1.50 and 2.71 kernels to allow full use of third-party programs, and allowed the running of games from disc image rather than UMD cartridge to conserve battery life.3.02 OE - Combined features of 1.50 and 3.02 kernels to allow full use of third-party programs.3.02 OE-B - Introduced "popstation" program to allow users to convert original Playstation discs to run under Playstation Network emulation system.3.03 OE - Improved "popstation" and allowed users to access higher-compatibility Playstation emulation, and opened up the ability to play AVC videos in 3GP format at full 480x272 resolution.3.10 OE - Improved "popstation" and allowed users to access 3.10 Playstation emulation. Opened up the ability to use the fourth (highest) screen brightness setting even when on battery. With a plugin, will allow accessing any form of the Playstation Network functions from 3.00 through 3.11. Unfortunately, since this is a custom firmware that has nearly every feature of the real 3.10 update, it lacks working Location Free player and the Korean language, but Locationfree player can be installed manually later.What is a Torrent ?This refers to the small metadata file you receive from the web server. Metadata means that the file contains information about the data you want to download, not the data itself. This is what is sent to your computer when you click on a download link on a website. You can also save the torrent file to your local system, and then click on it to open the BitTorrent download in a Torrent or P2P client.What is xxxxxx ?Any more n00b queries ? First of all, look them up in google, then try wikipedia.And even after that you do not understand , you can post here.
Converting PS1 games to PSP compatible Eboots.This software works best for converting a PS1 game into a PSP compatible one.Simple POPStation by Zinga Burga: http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/994I've tested it and it works flawlessly.. You can also modify the gameboot, display icons, menu sound, etc of the PS1 converted game using this software.And, you can add/create a manual for use in game as well... Use Alcohol 120% for creating iso's from your PS1 cd's.================================================================Easiest/Fastest way to copy/dump UMD's to HDDJust connect PSP to PC via usb, load the small homebrew on the memcard, and you can directly dump your UMD's to the PC hard drive, in around 10-15 minutes.You won't need a big mem card, even the 32mb card will do....And this software won't require any usbhostfs drivers or any other driver's for that matter - it shows the inserted UMD as an iso which you can just copy paste on the PC and then compress to cso or rip the unrequired stuff to reduce the size.This way you get a 100% perfect UMD rip that will definitely work.The software is called 'USBSSS' - Usb Special Storage Systemhttp://www.psp-hacks.com/file/1008Also download from:zShare: http://www.zshare.net/download/usbsss1-0-rar.htmlSendspace: http://www.sendspace.com/file/m8dp7kRapidshare: http://rapidshare.com/files/11905995/USBSSS1.0.rar.htmlMegaupload: http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0EJUQ8M3Divshare: http://www.divshare.com/download/50240-857 Some more info :1) Disable auto-sleep while dumping UMD.2) If you have USB 2.0 on PC, 10 minutes will be enough to dump approx 1.3 GB of UMD.3) Data rate is approx 140mb per minute4)It's Read only so that you don't accidentaly write to the flash.
PSPForce 0.20PSPForce promises to deliver a simple interface that will make rip kits, manual ISO rebuilding, and Popstation tools a thing of the past. It features:A gamedatabase with info, screenshots and covers for > 500 games. Ability to scan and detect games on your HDD. Customizing of rips that can be created of full ISOs on your HDD — the data and languages you want to be included. Translations for chs, de, fr, gr, nl, no, ru, se As for future plans…CSO Import/Export/Converter A full ISO Editor Ripscript Editor Better Ripengine which is capable of Mungefiles and Games with LBA Protection. Popstation Converter.Download here(54mb) : http://www.psp-hacks.com/download.php?id=1085====================================================================This one is the best plugin for taking screenshots fo your XMB and games...Screen\Video Capture Module by ADePSPhttp://www.cheatsync.net/SVCapture.html ====================================================================Devhook v.0.52.0100BOOSTER has just lauched the new DEVHOOK v.0.52It supports full 3.11 emulation.http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/1082n00b proof installer, with auto PSAR dumper :For OE users : hxxp://rapidshare.com/files/18153469/Devhook_.52.01_Installation_Noob_Proof_oe.ziphttp://www.sendspace.com/file/zt2i3vhttp://files.filefront.com/Devhook_5201_Installatiezip/;6815643;;/fileinfo.htmlFor 1.50 users(why do you still exist ?) :hxxp://rapidshare.com/files/18153468/Devhook_.52.01_Installation_Noob_Proof_1.5.ziphttp://www.sendspace.com/file/dkmhxahttp://files.filefront.com/Devhook_5201_Installati5zip/;6815642;;/fileinfo.html
Remove unwanted apps from flash0 to free up space.Want to customize your PSP xmb, bootsound, gameoot, icons, font, etc ?Unable to do so cause flash0 has very little free space ?Here's how you do it : You can remove the jap/chinese/korean fonts from flash0, freeing up approx 2mb of modding space.WARNING : CAN and WILL BRICK IF YOU MESS UP!!!1) This is for SE/OE users only.2) Switch off PSP, restart in recovery mode.3) Go to advanced config > enable flash0 after connecting USB to PSP.4) A folder will pop-up on the PC, showing the flash0 files.5) Back them up on the PC asap.6) Navigate to the font folder.7) Copy ltn9.pgf to somewhere on the PC.8) Delete jpn0.pgf and gb3s1518.bwfon from the font folder.9) Rename ltn9.pgf on the PC to jpn0.pgf and copy to font folder.10)Rename again to gb3s1518.bwfon and copy to font folder.DONE - JAP/Chinese/Korean fonts have been removed, Freeing up approx 2.4mb space on flash0.If you need them back, you have a backup on the PC.WARNING : The interent browser will now show half fonts, top half whitish and bottom half normal black.====================================================================HEN success guarenteed....If HEN fails to run after 10 times or so...1) Format mem stick and reload the files, and a few photos...preferably not plain colors.2) Set default settings and then hard reset psp3) Remove battery for 5 mins, reinsert and start psp4) Enter the date time etc, then insert the mem card5) Set a wallpaper from the photos....and run hen6) Guarenteed to work....if it doesnt, just hard reset, change wallpaper and do it again.7) I've done this on atleast 20 ta082's and never has it taken more than 2 tries. When you do this before running HEN for the first time, 90% chance it will work. Reasons for HEN fail : 1) You are using a bad/fake mem stick.2) Some file is bad or missing.3) You didnt hard reset properly.For n00bs - HEN = Homebrew Enabler
Any one needs help to downgrade their PSP's, feel free to post here...Important : Only PSP's with firmware 3.03 or below can be downgraded as of now, so anyone having higher firmwares, sorry !1.00 - Upgrade to 1.50. 1.50 - No need to downgrade, best option to install custom firmware.1.51/1.52 - Upgrade to 2.00, then use 2.00 downgrader OR upgrade to 2.71 and use 2.71 downgrader.2.00 - Use 2.00 downgrader, or upgrade to 2.71 and use 2.71 downgrader.2.01 - Use 2.01 Downgrader, or upgrade to 2.71 and use 2.71 downgrader.2.50 - This is from where TA-082 came into existense. If you have ta082, upgrade to 2.80 and use 2.80 downgrader, if not then upgrade to 2.71 and use the 2.71 downgrader.2.60 - You could downgrade it using GTA LCS unpatched umd, but that was unsafe - follow same steps as 2.502.70 - Same as 2.502.71 - Non Ta082 use 2.71 downgrader. Ta082 upgrade to 2.80 and use 2.80 downgrader2.80 - Ta079 to Ta086, all can downgrade using 2.80 downgrader.2.81/2.82 - Upgrade to 3.03, then use the 3.03 downgrader, whihc only works IF and ONLY IF you have an unpatched GTA LCS UMD.3.00/3.01/3.02 - Same as 2.81/2.823.03 - Use 3.03 downgrader, GTA LCS unpatched UMD required.3.10/3.11 - Nothing for you as of yet...
Downgrade LinksFIRMWARE UPDATES3.03 UPDATEhxxp://rapidshare.com/files/14167344/3.03_update.rar2.80 UPDATEhxxp://rapidshare.com/files/12130275/280update.rar2.71 UPDATEhxxp://rapidshare.com/files/417072/271update.zip2.00 UPDATEhxxp://rapidshare.com/files/14964079/2.00update.zip===================================================================SOFTWARE DOWNGRADER'S3.03 DOWNGRADER (ALL Motherboard's Ta079-086)hxxp://rapidshare.com/files/15133909/3.03_Downgrader.zip2.80 DOWNGRADER (ALL Motherboard's Ta079-086)hxxp://rapidshare.com/files/14943433/2.80-1.50DownGrade.zip2.71 DOWNGRADER (FOR NON TA082 ONLY)hxxp://rapidshare.com/files/14964970/2.71-1.50DownGrader.zip2.00 DOWNGRADER ( FOR NON TA082 ONLY)hxxp://rapidshare.com/files/14957053/2.00Downgraderrar.zip===================================================================CUSTOM FIRMWARES3.10OEAFROM 1.50 -hxxp://rapidshare.com/files/14886208/3.10oe-A.zipFROM CUSTOM FIRMWARE (2.71SEx, 3.02OEx, 3.03OEx) -hxxp://rapidshare.com/files/14892096/3.10oeA.zip3.10OEA' UPDATEhxxp://rapidshare.com/files/15246972/3.10oe_Update_A_.zip3.03OEChxxp://rapidshare.com/files/14159367/303oe--C.rarRECOVERY (To recover semi-bricks, or go back to 1.50 for custom firmware)hxxp://rapidshare.com/files/417075/RECOVERY.zip

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Sunday, April 22, 2007

This article covers all Sony PRO 1GB (MSX-1GS) and 2GB (MSX-2GS), PRO DUO 1GB (MSX-M1GS), 2GB (MSX-M2GS) and 4GB (MSX-M4GS), Hi-Speed PRO DUO 1GB (MSX

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