Thanks to devices such as the PlayStation Portable and the latest video
iPods, we should all be carrying around tons of video content in our pockets.
Except we’re not. In fact, getting video onto these kinds of devices is nowhere
near as straightforward as it should be.
Music and photos are another story. It’s pretty easy to transfer CDs and
digital snaps, but there’s not as much official support for doing the same with
movies, even among devices that are supposedly video-ready.
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Companies like
X-oom is
cashing in on this by developing software intended to help users convert and
transfer video from their PCs to a portable player.
PSP
Media Suite is a case in point. It effectively combines three separate
applications for PlayStation Portable users; Movies on
PSP, Music on PSP and Photoshow on PSP.
Our review of Movies on PSP hasn’t changed much since
then. As we said before, it simplifies the process of getting video clips stored
on your hard disk onto your PSP’s memory card, but comes with a lot of ifs and
buts.
The main problem is that it’s technically illegal to rip DVD movies and
convert them to the PSP format, even if they’re from discs you own. As such,
this function of the program is crippled out of the box, even though there’s a
button
for it. Those wishing to can download an update from the internet that
re-enables DVD-conversion, but this is not officially endorsed by the
manufacturer.
The two supporting applications offer some useful
extra
features. Photoshow on PSP, for example, has the ability to transform a
collection of snaps into a PSP-playable
slideshow,
while Music on PSP can record several hours of internet radio in MP3 format and
transfer it to your console.
Also included is a useful USB cable to connect your PSP to a PC and recharge
its battery at the same time.
Overlooking any legal implications for a moment, as well as a few minor
software glitches, this suite of applications is actually pretty useful for PSP
owners. A similar suite –
iPod
Media Suite – is also available for fans of Apple's player.
Related
reviews Roxio
Easy DVD Copy 2 Premier
Verdict: Good for those who want an easy-to-use DVD copying package for PC and
portable devices, but it lacks advanced features
Rating: 3/5
Price: £20
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