PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) Adds Internet Browser, Personalization Tools and Enhanced Audio and Video Playback Through Firmware 2.0 Upgrade

Sony Computer Entertainment America announced today the availability of an all-new firmware upgrade for its market-leading PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system. Designed to complement the comprehensive entertainment experience of games, movies, music, photos and wireless connectivity provided by the revolutionary portable device, the firmware 2.0 upgrade will allow users to take advantage of the unit's built-in Wi-Fi* capability and to wirelessly search the Internet from Internet Access Points or "hot spots". The upgrade will also provide increased Wi-Fi security and personalization tools together with photo sharing and expanded video and audio playback options. The firmware 2.0 upgrade can be wirelessly downloaded directly to a PSP system using a Wi-Fi connection or downloaded to a PC from http://us.playstation.com/psp and transferred to a PSP through a USB cable.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO )

Highlighting the firmware 2.0 upgrade is a new integrated Web browser that will provide users with unparalleled Internet access. Capable of wirelessly connecting to the Internet, the new PSP Web browser provides access to news, information, entertainment content, downloads, Internet searches and Internet based email accounts all displayed on a brilliant, full color TFT LCD display. A new WPA-PSK (TKIP) security method has also been added to further protect users' data and privacy while on public wireless networks and as well as enhanced parental control features.

"The Internet browser and other added functionality of the firmware 2.0 upgrade will further enhance the user experience beyond the unprecedented portable to entertainment already provided by PSP," said Andrew House, executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "By allowing consumers to wirelessly surf the Web, personalize their PSP and access and share new audio, video and image formats, PSP continues to evolve the entertainment experience out of the home and reaffirm its position as the must-have product of the year."

For consumers looking for downloadable content and information, the official system website when viewed from a PSP (http://www.us.playstation.com/ ) is a site uniquely designed and created for the PSP Web browser. Serving as the ultimate destination for PSP users, the Web site is a central source for consumers to find out everything they need to know about their PSP system, including news and details about PSP games, UMD movies and downloadable content. Consumers will be able to download PSP game trailers, UMD movie trailers, screenshots and videos from PlayStation events. Content on the site will include detail pages for all PSP games, a comprehensive list of UMD movies from major and independent movie studios, descriptions of downloadable content for PSP, PSP related news articles, information on PSP accessories, and Help content and FAQs.

The PSP firmware 2.0 upgrade also allows users to personalize their PSP according to their own unique style and taste. Users can control the look and feel of their PSP desktop display by choosing color themes or by saving a photo as wallpaper, which, along with other photos, can be wirelessly sent and received across PSP systems. The firmware 2.0 upgrade also provides enhanced audio playback options including the support of MP4 (AAC) and WAV (LPCM) formats and allows for new video playback options.

Following is a list of features available through the PSP firmware 2.0 upgrade:

  Video:

  -- "Go To" function added as a UMD™ Video playback feature that allows
     users to watch a movie at any point of time.
  -- A-B Repeat function added as a UMD™VIDEO and saved video data
     playback feature that allows users to continuous loop a selected scene.
  -- 4:3 Screen mode added as a saved video data playback feature.
  -- Expanded Audio Options added as a saved video data playback feature.
  -- AVC added as a codec that can be played under [Video]. Applies to video
     data saved on Memory Stick™.

  Audio:

  -- MP4 (AAC) and WAV (LPCM) formats can be played their PSP music player.
  -- Support for Memory Stick PRO Duo™.

  Image:

  -- Wireless image transfer between two PSP units via infrared in Ad-hoc
     mode.
  -- Support for TIFF, PNG, GIF and BMP image formats.

  Network:

  -- WPA-PSK (TKIP) security method added to protect data and privacy while
     on public wireless networks.
  -- Improved and easier-to-use controls during Infrastructure Mode.

  Additional Features:

  -- Character Set added to support display and recognition of characters
     for each system language.
  -- Korean added as an optional system language.
  -- Input modes added to the On-screen Keyboard allowing users to activate
     special characters for certain languages.

Following a record-setting launch in March 2005, PSP is fast becoming a cultural icon and has proven to be a market altering force with upwards of 1.95 million units sold in North America. The PSP is available for a suggested retail price of $249.99 (USD) in a PSP Value Pack. In addition to the revolutionary PSP hardware, the PSP Value Pack contains an unprecedented added-value package of accessories and entertainment content, including 32 MB Memory Stick Duo™, headphones with remote control, battery pack, AC adaptor, soft case, hand strap and cleaning cloth, and a movie/music/game video sampler UMD disc including multiple non-interactive game demos. There are currently more than 35 games available for PSP on the proprietary UMD™ (Universal Media Disc) and more than 125 feature films, TV programs and videos from major studios combining to create an unmatched library of entertainment content.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one™ game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and the PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era. PSP is a new portable entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Visit us on the Web at www.us.playstation.com.

NOTE: "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks and "PSP" and "UMD" are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

*Certain limitations apply to Wi-Fi connectivity. See manual for details. Player responsible for Wi-Fi fees.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com

SOURCE: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Patrick Seybold of Sony Computer Entertainment America,
+1-650-655-5904, or patrick_seybold@playstation.sony.com; or Rick Heineman,
+1-310-854-4812, or rheineman@bncpr.com, for Sony Computer Entertainment
America

Web site: http://us.playstation.com/ps

Web site: http://www.playstation.com/