PSP homebrew glossary

This page serves as a glossary of commonly used terms frequently encountered when working with homebrew on the PSP, as well as some PSP-specific terminology. For a general homebrew glossary, see the main Glossary article.

A

ATRAC3

An audio codec from Sony that is largely similar to mp3.

AVC MP4 (Advanced Video Coding Mpeg-4)

A superior codec that allows for a better quality video with a smaller file size. Requires at least Firmware Version 2.00 or higher.

C

CFW

CFW, or Custom Firmware, refers to third-party-built firmware for the Sony PSP. Custom firmware generally allows the PSP to execute unsigned software (homebrew), and backup ISOs.

D

Downgrade

Reverting firmware to a previous, older version.

DRAM

Dynamic Random Access Memory, a type of memory used in most personal computers.

E

EBOOT

An EBOOT file is a compiled executable program that runs on the PSP.

eLoader

The eLoader is a program written by Fanjita and Ditlew to run hombrew software on Firmwares 2.0 and above.

F

Firmware

The operating system of the PSP is stored in firmware. Different exploits exist for different firmware versions.

Flash memory

The PSP stores its firmware in flash memory. Critical portions of the firmware reside in Flash 0, and less essential portions (web browser, settings, wallpapers, etc.) are stored in Flash 1.

I

IrDA

Short for Infrared Data Association, a communication protocol using infrared light frequently used by remote controls. The IrDA emitter is only available on the PSP 1000.

M

Memory Stick

The native removable storage device on the PSP is Sony's proprietary Memory Stick format. Adapters exist to use Memory Sticks with PCs.

MIPS

The central processor in the PSP is a MIPS Technology 333 MHz R4000. Most games ran at 222 MHz, but as of version 3.50 of the firmware, Sony removed this limit and games can run at 333 MHz.

O

OFW

OFW, or Official Firmware, refers to the Sony-built firmware for the Sony PSP.

P

PARAM.SFO

Similar to a .ini file, this is the part of an EBOOT.PBP package which contains the "instructions" for running the code (DATA.PSP/DATA.PSAR), as well as supplying other information on the program, such as region and program title.

PBP

The main executable format for the PSP's operating system. An example is the EBOOT.PBP package used to boot applications with a custom firmware.

PMF

A proprietary media format from Sony. The audio track is in ATRAC3 format.

PMP

A video format that allows full resolution video to be played using PMP homebrew.

S

SIRCS

Sony's proprietary infrared protocol. Used in most, if not all Sony TVs and the Playstation 2. It is the native IR format for the PSP.

U

UMD

Universal Media Disc, a Sony disk format used to store games, music and movies.

X

XMB

The Cross Media Bar (XMB) is main user interface on the PSP and PS3.