Schild's PSP Countdown Thread

[Signe]

I'll probably buy one... maybe this week.   Not because I really want one but I just can't stand it when people have stuff I don't have.  Well, just schild, really.

Geez, you people get up early.  What the hell is wrong with you?

[eldaec]

In other news, schild may actually be slightly understated about the PSP's impact. According to Bloomberg, it may save Sony.

I mentioned earlier in this thread that Sony marketing had been on vacation since the PS2 launch.

Where they appear to have been on vacation *too* is the land of attempting to shore up the share price by convincing the financial press to write puff pieces about Sony technology that the aforementioned press don't understand.

Only the other week I read a piece in an otherwise esteemed publication including an offhand line about how at launch there will only be 500 computers in the world that are more powerful than a PS3, all thanks to the cell chip. Ahem.



We now return you to your scheduled fanboi thread....

[Trippy]

(apart from Apple who has never done anything first)

Had to slip that in, didn't you?

Beware of the Apple fanboi. Schild's PSP thing ain't shit compared to me.

Here's a few for the list:

First Personal Computer 

What, the Altair 8800?

First consumer oriented UNIX

NeXTStep?

SCSI

Not invented by Apple.

Firewire

Okay that was invented by Apple, though some of the work was done by the inventor while still at National Semiconductor.

And just to mention: They might not be as innovative as some claim to them to be, but their real strength is in bringing otherwise unknown or barely used technologies to the forefront (GUI, True Type, Audio, Rendevous, Quicktime, Wireless Networking, DVDR's, etc., etc.).

TrueType came way after PostScript (and PostScript Type 1 fonts) though I'm biased since I worked at Adobe. I agree that Apple does a great job of popularizing technologies including things like 3.5" floppies, SCSI, NuBus, SIMMs, DIMMs, digitized sound/music, CD-ROMs, Desktop Publishing (PostScript enabled LaserWriters) and so on.

[Trippy]

Try this thing: PSP Video 9

Thanks, you just cost me $250.

My pleasure. Now where did I put those Sony stock certificates...

[schild]

In other news, schild may actually be slightly understated about the PSP's impact. According to Bloomberg, it may save Sony.

I mentioned earlier in this thread that Sony marketing had been on vacation since the PS2 launch.

Where they appear to have been on vacation *too* is the land of attempting to shore up the share price by convincing the financial press to write puff pieces about Sony technology that the aforementioned press don't understand.

I mean this in the nicest way humanly possible, and I do this out of love: Don't be a dipshit.

[Trippy]

As for the movies, The PSP's video playback is the most worthless feature ever. I would prefer DVD over UMD movies in every scenario, without exception. I can't imagine watching movies often enough on the PSP to justify a UMD movie collection.  So even if I happened to find myself in a situation where I might want to watch a movie on that thing, I wouldn't have any movies to watch.   

I agree that buying movies on UMD is silly. On the other hand ripping DVDs or taking recorded TV programming and reencoding them to play on the PSP is appealing to me (and apparently others as well), though I'm pertrubed that the resolution on the PSP isn't higher than it is. At 480 x 272 the resolution on the PSP only offers about 33% more detail when watching 4:3 material compared to VideoCD (320 x 240 resolution). It does offer about 125% more detail when watching widescreen material compared to VideoCD but that is still nowhere near DVD resolutions (720 x 480 for NTSC).

[schild]

At 480 x 272 the resolution on the PSP only offers about 33% more detail when watching 4:3 material compared to VideoCD (320 x 240 resolution). It does offer about 125% more detail when watching widescreen material compared to VideoCD but that is still nowhere near DVD resolutions (720 x 480 for NTSC).

Having seen video on a PSP, I can say comfortably - the 480x272 is more than adequate. It seems like a lot more. When I FIRST heard the specs I balked. My cell phone has a 1.2inch diagonal, with a 480x640 resolution. But the screen on the PSP truly is a marvel. Guesswork with math doesn't do it justice. Speaking of, I reencoded half a movie. Here's the info:

Original:
550 MB (577,406,636 bytes)
Audio - MP3 - 128kbps
29fps - 178kbps - 24big - divx
Length: 52:45

PSP Encode:
204 MB (214,156,685 bytes)
32kbps audio
480kbps video - 29.97fps - 368x208

It looks goddamned good. But I'm going to down the video to 178 and redo it. I'll also up the audio to 128. Will repost in a bit. But the 90 minute/300mb guesstimation is spot on. 3 90 minute movies should fit on a 1gig memory stick.

[SirBruce]

First consumer oriented UNIX

NeXTStep?

He was, of course, referring the OSX.  And he was wrong, but he was also right.  In 1988, a year before NeXTStep came out, Apple released A/UX, which was a version of SYSV with System 7, Finder, etc. running on top of it.  I'd have to say that this was the first truly consumer oriented UNIX, since it was designed for the home computer; keep in mind that NeXTStep at the time was still restricted to NeXT cubes which were mostly bought by universities and businesses rather than for home use.  And then there was AMIX, which was the first full SYSVR4 implementation, which was available on the Amiga in 1990 or 1991.

Of course, one could argue that Microsoft's Xenix was the first consumer UNIX, but back then the "consumer" of microcomputers was quite different.  Much more of a hobbyist thing.

Bruce

[Paelos]

Dammit, I wish I didn't have money to piss away on something like this. I'm sure there are better things. I expect a full front page review. NOT only by Schild, obviously. Let's get a little perspective on the device. Give it to Haemish too. He'll eat anything.

[Trippy]

First consumer oriented UNIX

NeXTStep?

He was, of course, referring the OSX.  And he was wrong, but he was also right.  In 1988, a year before NeXTStep came out, Apple released A/UX, which was a version of SYSV with System 7, Finder, etc. running on top of it.  I'd have to say that this was the first truly consumer oriented UNIX, since it was designed for the home computer; keep in mind that NeXTStep at the time was still restricted to NeXT cubes which were mostly bought by universities and businesses rather than for home use.  And then there was AMIX, which was the first full SYSVR4 implementation, which was available on the Amiga in 1990 or 1991.

Of course, one could argue that Microsoft's Xenix was the first consumer UNIX, but back then the "consumer" of microcomputers was quite different.  Much more of a hobbyist thing.

I understood what he was trying to say -- a Unix OS that hides the Unixy stuff from the end user -- but I would still argue that the NeXT was first. I used both the NeXT and A/UX while at school and A/UX didn't hide the details of Unix like the NeXT did. Yes there was sort of a sandbox MacOS mode on A/UX but it didn't work very well at all (at least in the first version of A/UX, circa 1998-1989) and the system didn't boot into any GUI like the Finder (like later versions of A/UX could do) but gave you an old-fashioned Unix command prompt. The NeXT, though, other than making you type in a password, totally hid the underlying Unix/Mach system unless you explicitly brought up a command shell window.

[SirBruce]

I dunno if the first A/UX booted to the command line or not.  Nevertheless, it was certainly consumer-oriented UNIX.  And I would aruge that NeXTStep in 1989, even with the GUI, wasn't... it was bought primarily by academic and business institutions, not people looking to use it as their home personal computer.  You could argue once NeXTStep embraced Intel, it was, but that was many years later.

Bruce

[Rasputin]

And properly, A/UX was only created to satisfy the federal government's requirements that there be Unices available for any computers they bought on contract.

[Furiously]

480x272 - how big is the screen physically? I have a hard time believing those screenshots at the beginning are that low of a resolution.

[Rasputin]

You're assuming the screenshots are done on the screen itself and not from a video output on a larger source.

[Litigator]

As for the movies, The PSP's video playback is the most worthless feature ever. I would prefer DVD over UMD movies in every scenario, without exception. I can't imagine watching movies often enough on the PSP to justify a UMD movie collection.  So even if I happened to find myself in a situation where I might want to watch a movie on that thing, I wouldn't have any movies to watch.   

I agree that buying movies on UMD is silly. On the other hand ripping DVDs or taking recorded TV programming and reencoding them to play on the PSP is appealing to me (and apparently others as well), though I'm pertrubed that the resolution on the PSP isn't higher than it is. At 480 x 272 the resolution on the PSP only offers about 33% more detail when watching 4:3 material compared to VideoCD (320 x 240 resolution). It does offer about 125% more detail when watching widescreen material compared to VideoCD but that is still nowhere near DVD resolutions (720 x 480 for NTSC).

Now you're getting into something that requires extreme tech savvy. Don't you have to crack encryption to rip a DVD? And wouldn't you have to reencode the file for PSP resolution? And, the fact still exists that you can only use this thing when you are in a position to sit down and dedicate your time to it, unlike the iPod. When am I going to use this?

[Furiously]

Color me wrong - they range from 470x270 to 480x272. 

[SirBruce]

And properly, A/UX was only created to satisfy the federal government's requirements that there be Unices available for any computers they bought on contract.

Who cares why it was created?  We're talking about how it was marketed and how it was used, not the creator's intent.

Bruce

[schild]

You're assuming the screenshots are done on the screen itself and not from a video output on a larger source.

Don't be a moron. When you see the unit, you'll understand the marvel that is the screen.

Furiously, they're 480x272. That hoopla about two seperate screens is just that - hoopla.

Paelos, you know I'll be goddamn honest about the unit. And I'm not giving my first born to Haemish. He can adopt his own.  :-D

Litigator, please - you obviously aren't their target market. Stop thinking of yourself as a sample size. Have to crack encryption. Christ, don't act like you're completely clueless.

-

On another note, I just picked up Metal Gear Ac!d. Obviously I can't play it but there's one thing I'd like to point out: If it says infrastructure on the back of the box it may only be the equivilent of Live Aware (Xbox Live, not playable but cna download shit and updates).

[Furiously]

No - was talking about the resolution on the screenies you posted on the first page. Two screens = good for photoshop or programming. Not for games.

So the screen is 4.3 inches? Slightly bigger then a credit card?

[schild]

Creeping Jesus, now we're talking!

Original:
550 MB (577,406,636 bytes)
Audio - MP3 - 128kbps
29fps - 178kbps - 24big - divx
Length: 52:45

Reencode:
123 MB (129,666,957 bytes)
Audio - 128kbps
29.97fps - 178kb - 368x208 - mp4
Length: 52:45

So that's 248 megs for a full 104 minute movie. Four movies on a memory stick here I come. Also, compressed an episode of Alias down to 74 megs. Sooooo, you can fit a few episodes more than half a season on a 1GB stick. Can NOT complain about that.

Furiously, yea 4.3inch diagonal. Assuming your screen res is 1280x1024 and you have resizing turned off in IE, this is negligibly bigger than the actual unit. Lumines.jp has a flash embedded unit that's slightly smaller and doesn't scale to your monitor's resolution.

[MaceVanHoffen]

Also, compressed an episode of Alias down to 74 megs.

You lost a lot of high art fag status right there.  Alias?  ALIAS!?  Ok the first season was moderately watchable, I'll concede that.  But then it became Falcon Crest with spies.  No thanks, I had to sit through enough primetime soaps as a kid at my grandmother's house.  And we've already covered Jennifer Garner's mannish inability to act elsewhere.

Do not taint the screen of what could be a great handheld with the strong fe-manly jaw of bad acting.

[schild]

Also, compressed an episode of Alias down to 74 megs.

You lost a lot of high art fag status right there.  Alias?  ALIAS!?  Ok the first season was moderately watchable, I'll concede that.  But then it became Falcon Crest with spies.  No thanks, I had to sit through enough primetime soaps as a kid at my grandmother's house.  And we've already covered Jennifer Garner's mannish inability to act elsewhere.

Do not taint the screen of what could be a great handheld with the strong fe-manly jaw of bad acting.

Her legs don't end. And please, you all put me on the high art fag status. I just know a lot about cinema and music and tv. Pop culture basically. Doesn't mean I can't have guilty pleasures. I've seen A Knight's Tale no less than 30 times.

[Aenovae]

Does anyone know (or have a link that explains) what this supposed Infrastructure is in more detail than "omg online wireless intarnet?"

I get the ad-hoc wireless part, that's easy: anyone within range can join your game, up to a certain number of users.

But the online part...
If you can play (or will be able to play) some PSP games online, then doesn't there need to be some sort of PSP Live service?  Is Sony hosting these servers?  Have the games implemented their own lobby functionality?  Is it free?  How do I register an online handle so friends can distinguish my game from others in a public listing?

I have these same questions about the DS's online wireless functionality.

[schild]

But the online part...
If you can play (or will be able to play) some PSP games online, then doesn't there need to be some sort of PSP Live service?  Is Sony hosting these servers?  Have the games implemented their own lobby functionality?  Is it free?  How do I register an online handle so friends can distinguish my game from others in a public listing?

Free. Yes. Total Functionality? I'll have a short report come this weekend. Long one will be done by next friday (not this coming).

I have these same questions about the DS's online wireless functionality.

They needs games that it would be useful with first. And Nintendo hates the intarnet.

[Rasputin]

You're assuming the screenshots are done on the screen itself and not from a video output on a larger source.

Don't be a moron. When you see the unit, you'll understand the marvel that is the screen.

Furiously, they're 480x272. That hoopla about two seperate screens is just that - hoopla.

I'll see the unit eventually. Until then, I'll still be playing my DS, whether it's Daigasso or the GBA titles I'm playing, or Katamari DS or Animal Crossing...in the end, there's more games I'm going to play on DS than on the PSP, and it was less expensive. I'm not saying the PSP sucks. That said

I think you need to see somebody about this problem you have. I raise a question, and I'm a moron? "OMFGTHEPSPISROXORINGULOLOLNINTENDOSUXLOL" isn't exactly the most stunning endorsement.

Yeah, the screenshots as shown are 480x272. I reserve judgement for a later date. It still doesn't answer the question of what source the shots came from.

[Sky]

I figure I'll get a PSP next christmas (xmas 06). Should be more reasonably priced and have a decent library by then. Probably be a redesign to fix some things like they always do. Hell, is it too much to hope for dual analog sticks? Probably. Should have it, might be what holds me back from buying this generation.

My hope is that nintendo begins a competetive pricing war.

[voodoolily]

My hope is that nintendo begins a competetive pricing war.

Hell, yes.

[ahoythematey]

Nintendo usually has price-wars locked.  That's not really the main problem they face.  It's one of image, and unfortunately it sometimes seems that they either have to sacrifice what soul is left in their games or they have to wait for the frothing masses to stop being such supreme dipshits.  I don't anticipate either happening soon.

[schild]

I think you need to see somebody about this problem you have. I raise a question, and I'm a moron? "OMFGTHEPSPISROXORINGULOLOLNINTENDOSUXLOL" isn't exactly the most stunning endorsement.

Hi, if you didn't notice my avatar, the thread title or the first post. This whole thread is about being a senseless fanboi. Sorry if you got confused, but you wandered in with this Nintendo DS bullshit and there's just no point. The systems aren't comparable. Ones weak, ugly and has shit for games (proven by the fact you had to import the one game you keep mentioning) and the other is art in video game form. When you realize what you've done, EB is only going to be giving $50 in trade-in value on the DS. Sucks, I know. But then, ignorance is bliss.

Yeah, the screenshots as shown are 480x272. I reserve judgement for a later date. It still doesn't answer the question of what source the shots came from.

If they didn't look as good as the screenies I would have said so a long time ago. I don't go all fanatic over things that don't live up to their expections. When I pick up "God of War" tomorrow, I'm expecting Robot Jesus. If I get anything else, I'll be pissy.

Sky, Voodoolily: I think you'll be waiting many a moon for some sort of pricing war. The PSP needs to have competition for there to be such a thing. Right now, it doesn't.

[voodoolily]

Sky, Voodoolily: I think you'll be waiting many a moon for some sort of pricing war. The PSP needs to have competition for there to be such a thing. Right now, it doesn't.

I was talking about hoping Nintendo stuff gets even cheaper to compete.

[Jain Zar]

God Schild, you are such a fanboy over the PSP I want it to fail just on general principle.  I have a DS.  I love it.  I would really like more games to come out for it, but its selection is currently as awful as the PSPs.  Cept the DS gets Advance Wars and Metroid and Mario Kart which places it in the lead.  Oh yeah.  And proper 2d Castlevania.  And its not trying to be an all in one deal like an expensive version of the N Gage cept without the cell phone bit.  My DS also runs all the Gameboy Advance software, which is quite substantial.  Which gives me 3 more Castlevanias, 2 Metroids, 2 Advance Wars, Tactics Ogre, Zone of the Enders RPG, Breath of Fire 1 & 2, lots of NES/SNES rereleases, Doom, Wolfenstein, Shining Force, Shining Soul 1&2, Phantasy Star Trilogy, Konami Arcade Classics, Fire Emblem (if you are a masochist anyhow), Wario Ware, Mario vs Donkey Kong, Mario Golf, and of course Pokemon for the kiddies.

Its GBA compatibility means a DS is a safe purchase regardless of whether or not any DS games are even released.  Its already got a killer library unless you are some kind of 3d only graphics whore.  And its only 150 dollars. 

 Nobody is keeping you from buying one and I genuinely hope you have a good time with it, I really do.  When the price comes down and if it happens to get some great games for it I might pick one up since I own just about every other major game system out there besides the Colecovision, Vectrex, and Neo Geo anyhow. 

But this frothing and utter insistence its the best thing since the discovery of oral sex is just...  SILLY.  Last night I was mostly playfully trolling you and it was clear you were getting all bent out of shape about it like I was defiling a holy object and not poking fun at a media device being released by a mega corporation from Japan. 

PLEASE RELAX DUDE.  ITS ONLY A VIDEOGAME.

(Edited because I was harsher than I think I had any right to be.  Its amazing the kind of clarity you get over pointless discussions about videogames on the Internet when you take a shower..)

[voodoolily]

Okay, everyone. Let's put down the pitchforks and let the banjo music subside. Aren't we all a little guilty of fanboyism now and again? I actually came THIS close to getting a Makar tattoo when Wind Waker came out. It's not like schild is gonna have the shit burned into his skin.

.....RIGHT schild?

[Paelos]

It's rare that Schild gets excited about anything except movies. I've decided this is a good thing.

[MaceVanHoffen]

It's rare that Schild gets excited about anything except movies. I've decided this is a good thing.

I firmly believe that Sony executives kidnapped schild and replaced him with a robot running their new OS, PSP Fanboi 1.0.

Behold!  I give you ... the newly upgraded schild!  He is shown here counting down the days until the PSP launch.  No, counting down TO VICTORY!

[Shockeye]

PSPFANBOI.COM is already taken. (click here for info)

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