Before you can watch movie downloads on your PSP, you need to understand the folder structure, file types and naming conventions. In this guide we explain everything you need to know about folders, file names and movie types.
The PSP does not play standard formats like wmv or quicktime mov files. It uses MPEG-4 codecs, and its own filenaming convention to complicate things a little. Once you understand these basics, you are well on the way to putting any movie you like on your PSP.
When the PSP was first launched it would only accept one format of movie - the MPEG-4 SP standard. With later updates however the superior AVC format (also known as H.264, or MPEG-4 Part 10) is also playable on the PSP.
MPEG-4 AAC files.
This is the default format initially used for the PSP. It is more properly known as MPEG -4 Simple Profile, or as MPEG -4 Part 2, and MPEG -4 AAC.
MPEG-4 AAC movies should be placed in the \MP_ROOT\100MNV01 folder and must be named with a M4V prefix followed by a random number, like this; M4V00001, M4V00002, M4V00003, etc., with an .MP4 extension.
When browsing your list of movies on your PSP, this type of file will be listed with a MPG4 tag.
MPEG-4 AVC files (Advanced Video Coding).
This format is playable on the PSP after firmware update 2.0 or later is installed. AVC files are also known as MPEG-4 Part 10, or more commonly H.264.
AVC files are of superior quality to plain vanilla MPEG-4 files, and are infact a variant of the exact same format used for the superb UMD Video disc movies.
MPEG-4 AVC movies should be put in the \MP_ROOT\100ANV01 folder and must be named with a MAQ prefix followed by a 5 digit random number like this, MAQ00001,MAQ00002,MAQ00003 etc., with an .MP4 extension.
When browsing your list of movies on your PSP, this type of file will be listed with an AVC tag.
If you have not seen an AVC encoded movie on your PSP, don't worry, we have two right here for you to check out. You can also download some really good ones on this IGN Page. The penguin one in particular is awesome.
Important Notes
As well as remembering which folder to put which movie type into, and what naming convention to use, you must name all files using CAPS only. Using lower case will mean your PSP will not recognise the file at all.
And that completes our guide to PSP Movie formats, if you feel we missed anything please let us know!