Howdy all, your friendly neighborhood Iceman here, or Chilibird if you know me from IRC.

I've noticed that there is a lot of confusion about what a downgrader 'is', how homebrew works, and the like. So I'm here to give you a bit of an overview.

This handy little guide will be broken into several sections. PSP Info, Homebrew Info, ISO Info, Downgrader Info, Firmware Info, the Pandora application, and lastly, a list of terms that can be handy to know.


==========PSP Info=============
If you're reading this, you probably know what a PSP is. You know it is a very capable entertainment system, able to play games, go online, play music, movies, and allow you to view your photos, all in one convenient package.

But if this is so great, why does this site exist?
It is because of piracy. When the original PSP was released in Japan, it came with firmware version 1.0. This firmware, or 'operating system' for the PSP, had no restrictions on what it could do. However, once people figured out how to run their own code, or homebrew, it wasn't long before people were able to play ISO images, or downloaded PSP games. As a result, Sony began releasing newer firmware versions which were designed to combat this threat, and also eliminated the ability for legitimate homebrew games to play. This has led to a constant war between the PSP hackers, and Sony. This war still rages today, with the PSP hackers trying to find ways to exploit the PSP Firmware versions, while Sony tries to make it stronger so that we can't play our homebrew games. This site is dedicated to providing the newest information for the PSP hacking scene, including homebrew releases, downgraders, and other hacking information.

===========Homebrew Info=============
With all of this talk of homebrew, and hacking, and whatever else, you probably can't help but wonder WHAT homebrew is. Homebrew is, in a technical sense, 'unsigned code'. What this means is that all Sony provided games, from downloaded demos to UMD games, are digitally signed. When the PSP tries to run any game, it looks for this digital signature, and if it can't find it, or it's wrong, the PSP won't run it. Homebrew is run by exploiting 'holes' in the firmware that bypasses this signature check, and allows the game to be run. Sony has encrypted, or hidden, this signature from all of us. Every time we try to mess with their file, this signature gets smudged, so it can't be read anymore. This prevents us from just taking an official Sony file and replacing it with our own code, or just looking for the Sony signature

Homebrew itself is anything that is created by a user. This ranges from a SNES emulator to any of the truly original games, such as Callisto, out there. Much of it is actually very fun, and can really add to your PSP experience. Various methods have been designed to play homebrew games. This ranges from the 'kxploit' trick in firmware 1.5, to the eloader in versions 2.0 and up.

===========ISO Info=================
I will keep this section short, as I do not condone piracy. However, I would be stupid not to admit that it is what the PSP is primarly used for. An ISO is a 'image' of a game that you put onto your PSP's memory stick. Usually these are downloaded, and they are always illegal. They are also usually quite large, at least 500 MB. They can be compressed to the CSO format, which may save you 100MB or so of space.

To play these games, the most common way to do so is either Device Hook (A.K.A Devhook), which is a homebrew program, or custom firmware, which will be described later.

============Downgrader Info=============
Downgraders are homebrew applications that rewrite the PSP's flash memory to change it to a lower version. The PSP's Flash Memory holds all of the PSP's vital information, such as how it is supposed to run. Without this information, the PSP cannot run. The only way to change this is through downgraders. It is always slightly dangerous to do this, as if something goes wrong, you will have a very expensive brick. It is also extremely difficult to make a downgrader. First a User Mode exploit needs to be found, which allows us to run homebrew on that firmware version, and then a kernel mode exploit must be found, which allows us to access the PSP's flash memory to change it. Just because you hear of a firmware being 'decrypted' does not mean that it can be downgraded. Whenever possible, it is highly recommended to downgrade your PSP to version 1.5, where you can then go to Custom firmware

Downgrading is very safe. The warnings you see about bricking your PSP is there just to allow the developers to cover their bases, so that if something does go wrong, they aren't responsible. Every time you change anything on the PSP's flash memory, from a font, to a full downgrade, you have a very small chance to brick. 99% of all downgrades are successful. The other 1% is usually because the person doing the downgrade cannot follow instructions. So always read the readme file before running the downgrader, and you'll be fine. Downgrading is ALWAYS recommended over HEN or the like.

==========Firmware Info===========
The firmware is the files that the PSP uses to run, which is located on the PSP's internal flash memory. This is everything the PSP does, from how it plays a game, to the sound it makes when it starts. It controls every aspect of the PSP, including whether or not we can play homebrew. Firmware versions 1.0 and 1.5 are fully capable of running homebrew applications. 2.0 and up, however, require the eloader, and HEN (Homebrew Enabler) to run homebrew. Often times, these firmwares can be downgraded to a lower version, such as 1.5, which can play all homebrew at full speed, without the need for any extra loaders.

1.0-1.5 -> Full homebrew capability. No restrictions. Used to install custom firmware
2.0-3.50 -> Limited homebrew capability. Can all be downgraded to 1.5
1.5 POC, 1.5 CFW, 1.53, 2.71 SE, 3.03 OE, 3.10 OE, 3.30 OE, 3.40 OE, 3.50 OE, M33, Leaked Edition -> Custom Firmwares. Full homebrew capabilities with no restrictions.
1.0-3.50 (Special Note) -> Using Pandora's Battery, ALL firmwares can be downgraded. However, to run it requires you have a PSP already capable of running homebrew games.

==========Custom Firmware===========
Custom firmware is also a new development. These require firmware 1.5 to install, as to do so involves writing to the PSP's flash memory, and 1.5 is the safest firmware to do so from. Not to be confused with official Sony firmwares, custom firmwares allow us to have some of the best features that Sony would never allow. Custom Firmware allows you to have recovery mode, so the PSP can be brought back in the event that it is ever bricked.
There are several notable PSP custom firmwares out right now.
HarleyG's Custom Firmware- This is a basic custom firmware, based on the proof of concept. It features a recovery mode, and the ability to dual boot between Devhook, and 1.5, among other features.
Dark_aleX's 2.71 SE- An earlier form of the OE firmwares, this custom firmware was based off of the 2.71 firmware. It is not widely used any more, instead being favored for the OE series of firmwares.
Dark_aleX's OE series - This is the most popular custom firmware, not to be confused with regular 3.xx firmwares. Unlike the official Sony version, this allows all homebrew to be played as if it were a 1.5 PSP, allows ISO files to be played without a loader, and also has recovery mode, among other features.
Eiffel65's 1.53- This is a custom firmware very similar in functions to HarleyG's custom firmware, but has a number of improvements. It has all of the features of HarleyG's Custom Firmware, as well as a few new features, such as the ability to load a custom XMB. It is still in its early releases, and will most likely be improved.
M33 Firmwares- Developed by Team M33, this firmware improves upon the OE series of firmwares that were left behind when Dark_AleX left the PSP hacking scene.

Information on putting any of these onto your PSP can be found in the tutorial section of this website. Just like a downgrader, these write to flash memory, so there is always a slight risk.

==============Pandora Application=================
This is a application, released by a team of VERY skilled PSP hackers, that allows us to un-brick any PSP without sending it to Sony. It uses the same process that Sony uses at its repair centers, allowing it to un-brick any PSP sent to them. The catch is, here, a minimal version of 1.5 is installed, as opposed to the latest firmwares that Sony would install. This application can also be used to downgrade ANY past, present, or future offical Sony firmware. More information on where to find this application, and how to use it, can be found in the Tutorial section of this site.
A few notes, however-
1. The "Pandora Battery" required to un-brick a PSP CAN NOT be used normally in that state. When transforming the battery into a Pandora Battery, you have the option to create a backup of the battery's flash data. This is ESSENTIAL if you intend to use it again as a normal battery. See the tutorial section for more info.
2. There is a simillar process used on the memory card. A simple Re-Format using the PSP's "Format Memory Stick" will return it to it's normal state.
3. The version of 1.5 running from the Pandora's Battery MINIMAL. Many things will NOT work. Pandora's Battery does come with a flasher that allows you to re-flash 1.5 to your PSP.

Special Note-> Pandora's Battery can unbrick or downgrade ANY PSP. The exception to this rule is any PSP that was bricked (Bricked. It can still downgrade TA-082/86 PSP's) by corrupted ID Storage Keys. PSP's bricked in this manner CAN NOT be unbricked, as Pandora's Battery has no way to fix them. (I.E- Attempting to downgrade a TA-082/86 PSP without the special downgrader)
===============================

That about sums up your information on the PSP, and why we try to hack it. Hopefully you've learned a bit, and can save yourself a few questions. If not, you are welcome to PM me, or ask in the help section of this website. Hopefully a mod here will sticky this either here in General, or move it to the Tutorials section. Either way, I hope this provides help to many PSPers out there, and helps you on your way to PSP hacking!

========Glossary of Terms==============
Bootsound-
The sound that plays when a PSP is coldbooted.
BOOSTER-
The developer responsible for DevHook.
Brick-
A system critical file has been corrupted on the Flash Memory, rendering the PSP unable to start. Depending on how critical the corrupted file, it may be possible to recover the PSP using any Custom Firmwares' recovery mode. Also, ANY brick (Full, or Partial) can be recovered using Pandora.
Bricker-
A slang term used to refer to any homebrew game/app that either accidentally, or purposefully, permanently damages the critical parts of the PSP's Flash, rendering it a brick.
BSoD-
This comes up when something on the Flash 1 has been corrupted. Pressing O will reset it with no permanent damage. This also commonly shows up after a downgrade. A.K.A- Blue Screen Of Death
Coldboot-
A "hard start" of the PSP
Custom Firmware-
Special firmware version created by PSP hackers to allow for additional features
Crack-
Meaning we've found a potential weakness in the PSP's firmware, which may lead to homebrew.
CSO-
"Compressed ISO", a way to make an ISO file smaller on your memory stick
Customization-
'Modifying' your PSP by flashing new fonts, icons, backgrounds, or sounds to the PSP's flash memory, usually through the use of XFlash
Dark_aleX-
Possibly one of the most well known PSP hackers, known for his work on many downgraders, and the SE/OE series of Custom Firmware.
DAX-
A shortened form of the famed PSP hacker, Dark_aleX. It is also a form of PSP ISO Compression
Decrypt-
The encryption keeping us from looking at Sony's code has been broken. This allows us to analyze the PSP's code, and look for a weakness.
Dedaleus-
The most actively developed Nintendo 64 emulator for PSP.
Devhook-
A homebrew application that allows the PSP to emulate, or imitate, another firmware version without actually upgrading, Created by BOOSTER. This is the most common loader in use. A.K.A- Device Hook
Disc0-
This is how the UMD drive is identified to the PSP
Downgrade-
The act of rewriting the PSP's flash memory with a lower firmware version to allow for Homebrew. Requires a Kernel Mode exploit
Downgrader-
Rewrites the PSP's flash memory to a lower version. Can potentially brick your PSP
Dump-
Usually includes Flash0, and occasionally Flash1. These files are copied from the PSP's flash memory, usually for use with DevHook.
Eboot-
A file that the PSP can run.
Eloader-
A.K.A Eboot Loader, A application that allows homebrew to be run on PSP firmwares 2.0 and higher
Emulator-
This fools the PSP into thinking it's something it's not, such as a SNES
Exploit-
A weakness has been found in the Firmware, which allows us to play unsigned code, A.K.A Homebrew
Fastloader-
An older form of a PSP ISO loader. Devhook is more common now.
Fat (or Phat) PSP-
This is the older of the two PSP versions out. Slightly larger than its slim counterpart. Fully hacked.
Firmware-
The 'operating system' of the PSP
Firmware 1.5-
The most hacked firmware, next to custom firmware, that allows us to do anything
Flashing-
The act of copying a file to the Flash Memory to change the operation of your PSP.
Flash-
The internal memory of the PSP, which contains all information on how the PSP is supposed to run. Cannot be easily altered.
Flash 0-
This contains the PSP's system information
Flash 1-
This contains the PSP's information on the user, such as wifi setup, and usernames
Flash 2/3-
Rumored areas of the PSP's flash memory. Not much is known about their use.
Flash Memory-
This is the internal memory of the PSP, which contains all of its system information. A.K.A - Flash
Full Brick-
This happens when a critical part of the Flash Memory is damaged. A signal of a full brick is the inability to access recovery mode on Custom Firmware. These can be recovered using Pandora's Battery.
Gameboot-
This is the movie that is played when any game, or UMD is run
Hack-
Anything to make the PSP do something it isn't meant to
HEN-
Homebrew Enabler. This tricks the PSP into thinking it really is allowed to run homebrew code on higher firmware versions.
Homebrew-
"Unsigned Code" used to play games that Sony doesn't normally allow
ID Storage Keys-
A set of information stored on the PSP that defines the general rules for how it works, from how to handle the charger, to what firmware versions are allowed to run. (In the case of the TA-082/86 PSP's) This is above a firmware in the way that PSP uses it.
ISO-
PSP game 'image' that is usually illegally downloaded
Kernel Mode-
A way to run homebrew, and allows access to Flash memory. This allows for downgraders, or for homebrew to be run at max speed.
LCS-
Refers to Grand Theft Auto : Liberty City Stories. Commonly used to downgrade or run homebrew.
Leaked Edition (LE)-
A custom firmware developed by Team Wildc*rd.
Loader-
Assists in the playing of PSP ISO's
Lumines-
A UMD Game containing a flaw allowing for PSP Downgrades in some recent (3.30 +) firmwares.
M33-
Custom firmware developed by a team under the same name. Runs on both Slim and Fat PSP's.
"Magic" (Or Pandora) battery-
This refers to any battery pack that has been modified using the Pandora program to allow it to un-brick a PSP. While in this state, the battery CAN NOT be used normally, but it can be restored to its original state using a backup of the battery's flash. Read the tutorial section for more information.
"Magic" (Or Pandora) Memory Stick-
This refers to any Memory Stick that contains the files used by the Pandora program to un-brick a PSP.
Modchip-
A second Flash Memory that can be soldiered to a PSP's motherboard, making the PSP 'unbrickable'. However, this requires advanced skills to install. A.K.A- Undiluted Platinum
MP4-
The only movie format that the PSP can play. In order to play, it must be specially converted for the PSP using computer software.
MS Root-
The Root of your memory stick, or the first folder you see when you open it on your PC.
Noobz team-
A team of PSP hackers that have contributed the eLoader, xLoader, and help with many PSP downgrades
OE-
"Open Edition". The common term for Dark_aleX's most recent Custom Firmware. Currently at 3.10 OE-A
Official Firmware-
Not to be confused with custom firmware, this is the firmware released by Sony to block homebrew games
Pandora-
A application that will turn your PSP's components, including its memory stick and battery, into special "Magic" items. This is the same process Sony uses to un-brick PSP's you send them.
Patched (Grand Theft Auto)-
Commonly used to refer to a version of the Liberty City Stories UMD game that has had the flaw to run homebrew removed. Impossible to tell on the box, but contains a 2.50 or 2.60 update on the UMD. Most common version of Liberty City Stories on store shelves.
Recovery Mode-
This allows you to bring your PSP back to life, if you happen to partially brick it.
RSoD-
More severe than a BSoD, this may mean something serious is corrupted. Usually, resetting the PSP will cure this, however. May also show up after a downgrade, in which case a reset will get rid of it. A.K.A- Red Screen Of Death
SE-
"Special Edition", used as in 2.71 SE, which is a custom firmware created by Dark_aleX
Semi Brick-
This is a brick that was not caused by corrupting critical files. The PSP can be recovered using Custom Firmwares' Recovery Mode, or Pandora's Battery. If recovery mode can be accessed, it is a semi-brick, not a full brick. A.K.A- Half Brick
Signature-
The way that Sony tries to restrict homebrew. The PSP will look for this every time any code is run. Hacks allow us to bypass this.
Slim (or Lite) PSP-
A new version of the PSP, smaller than its "fat" counterpart. Incapable of running the 1.5 kernel, and most homebrew, but has been able to run custom firmware, and specially compiled homebrew.
SNES_9x-
The most common SNES emulator for the PSP
Sony-
The company that designed and developed the PSP
Sony Official Firmware-
Any firmware released by Sony. These are most commonly released to combat the hacks that the PSP hacking scene has discovered. Upgrading to any Sony Official Firmware will make your PSP unable to play any homebrew games.
TA 079-
One of the "good" motherboards, which can be downgraded without any extra steps
TA 081-
Another "Good" motherboard, can also be downgraded without any extra steps.
TA 082-
"Bad" PSP motherboard. Requires a different downgrader to downgrade. Can be identified by "IC1003" marking on the upper right of the PSP UMD tray. Picture Here
TA 086-
Another "Bad" PSP motherboard. Requires the same downgrader as a TA-082 board. Can be identified in the same manner as TA 082.
UMD-
Universal Media Disk. This is what the PSP plays its legitimate games from.
Unpatched (Grand Theft Auto)-
Refers to the version of Liberty City Stories that contains a flaw allowing us to run homebrew and downgraders. Impossible to tell by the box, but has a 2.00 update on the UMD. Not easy to find anymore.
Unsigned Code-
A.K.A Homebrew. Code that is run on a PSP without the officially Sony signature.
Upgrade-
Usually referred to upgrading the PSP's firmware using an official Sony update, which is highly discouraged. May also refer to installing custom firmware.
User Mode-
This is a way that homebrew can be run, but cannot access anything on the flash memory, so it runs slower than kernel Mode
XFlash-
Allows for customization of the PSP by flashing new items to the flash memory, such as fonts, or pictures. Has a very small risk of bricking.
xLoader-
An experimental version of the eLoader, created for firmware 2.80
XMB-
Cross-Media-Bar, The PSP's 'main menu'. This is where you can choose a UMD game, view pictures, listen to music, or watch movies.

Last edited by Iceman (2007-10-01 18:18:14)