FAQ #1: Technically speaking, how do PSP movie downloads work?
A: To play a movie on your player, you must first download the movie directly to your computer from a Web site the delivers PSP content and save it on your hard drive. Note that given the large file size of movies and the varying Internet connection speeds from computer to computer, downloading a full, feature length, premium quality movie file can take an hour or more. Once you have downloaded the file, you just need to transfer it to your device and play the movie.
FAQ #2: What are my options for downloading movies to my PSP device?
A: There are two main options for downloading movies. You can either purchase them directly from any of a number of official Sony partner sites, which means you pay as you go: the more you download, the more you pay. Some people are most comfortable using a site run by an official Sony partner since it is owned by the same people that built the PSP devices. A second option is to get unlimited free movie downloads from any of a number of online providers. In this case, you pay a one-time, initial setup fee and then you get unlimited movies. The advantage of this second option is that you also get to download PSP games and music, all for the price of the same, one-time setup fee.
FAQ #3: How is the movie watching experience?
A: Given the small size of the screen, watching movies on a PSP device is not the same thing as watching it on a small television. While the picture quality itself is crystal clear, the limited size obviously does not deliver the same type of movie-going experience one gets when watching a movie on a larger screen.
FAQ #4: Can I watch a feature-length film on my PSP?
A: Yes, it is possible to watch a full, feature-length film on a PSP device. However, it is not really advisable. However, there are many video shorts and clips that are ideal for viewing on a PSP unit, so leveraging the video capability of these devices should not be overlooked. And, given that PSP devices do so much more than just play videos (like games and music), the video feature should be seen as a bonus rather than as a primary attraction of the PSP device.
FAQ #5: Will the battery on the PSP device last if I watch an entire movie?
A: Yes! The battery in a PSP unit is designed to last 4 to 5 hours, which is plenty of time to watch even long films or double features.
If I were to grade the overall user experience when watching movies on a PSP, I would have to give it an A+ for convenience, an A for screen quality, a C for quality of the movie-watching experience (given the small screen size), and an A for technical ease of use. Downloading free movies from pay-just-once-type Web sites is an excellent option, especially if you do plan to also download their available music and games as well.
