New Media Manager for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) System Makes Taking Content With You Easier Than Ever

New Media Manager for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) System Makes Taking Content With You Easier Than Ever

Updated Version of Software Expands Options for Entertainment On-the-Go

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America today announced the availability of Media Manager for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) System, software for PCs that facilitates the transfer of multimedia content to a PSP system. Building on the initial version of the software released last November, the updated Media Manager offers a new easy-to-use interface and expanded options for converting video, music, and photos; subscribing to podcasts; and backing-up game saves. Among the exciting new features, users can now transfer home videos from DVDs, as well as documents and Internet browser bookmarks from PCs, onto their PSP system.

Developed by Sony Media Software, Media Manager is available for download for $16.99; a boxed version of the software, which includes a 6-foot USB cable, is also available for $24.99. Purchase details can be found at http://us.playstation.com/mediamanager .

"The PSP system delivers an unmatched experience for portable entertainment, and the new Media Manager makes transferring your entertainment content as simple as a few clicks of the mouse," said John Koller, senior marketing manager, PSP, at SCEA. "We know that many of the 5 million PSP owners that are out there use their systems for more than just gaming, and this software enables you to easily and quickly load those videos, music, photos and more onto your Memory Stick Duo(TM)."

The new Media Manager uses an intuitive dual-paned interface, featuring familiar icons from the PSP system's XMB(TM) (Xross Media Bar) and the ease of drag-and-drop transfers. A status bar indicates available space on Memory Stick Duo media.

Video conversion and playback, among the most popular uses of the PSP system due to its vibrant LCD widescreen, is streamlined with Media Manager, ensuring that content is in the proper format for viewing on the device. Also, PSP owners can now transfer home videos on DVD or footage from DVD camcorders onto their system.

Media Manager's support for audio files is music to a PSP owner's ears. In addition to support for multiple file formats, the software finds audio files on your PC for simplified transfer and playback and extracts songs from your personal CDs with just one click of the mouse. For increased control, users can determine the compression level of audio files as well as export playlists.

To address the growth in popularity of podcasts, or multimedia files delivered via Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, Media Manager allows users to setup subscriptions. A built-in RSS directory includes popular feeds ranging from radio programs to pop culture videos. Also, the software now offers multiple feed downloads and enhanced feed support including parental ratings.

Key Features of Media Manager for PSP System include:
*Indicates new features

General
--Enhanced user interface*
--Embedded media previewing*
--Automated file conversions
--Status bar indicates available space on Memory Stick Duo media

Video
--Transfer home movies on DVD or video from DVD camcorders*
--Windows Media Center support*
--High-quality Sony AVC video encoding
--Supports .avi, .mov, .mp4, .wmv, and other formats

Music
--Support for playlists (.m3u and .wpl exported from Windows Media
Player)*
--Find music on your PC for transfer and playback
--Extract songs from CDs
--Supports .ATRAC3(TM), .mp3, .wav, .wma, and other formats

Photo
--Digital playback of photos, including .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .png, .tif and
more
--Thumbnail preview

RSS
--Multiple feed download*
--Subscribe to podcasts, video blogs, and PSP formatted magazines
--Built-in directory of popular RSS feeds

Bookmark
--Transfer Internet Explorer favorites*

Document
--Transfer documents, including Excel, Word, HTML, .txt and more*
--Preview documents on your computer before transferring*

Game
--Back up game saves to your computer
--Move game saves between Memory Stick Duo media

About the PSP system

The PSP system is the first truly integrated portable entertainment system designed to handle multiple applications -- music, video, photo, Internet, and wireless connectivity, with games as its key feature. The PSP system features an unmatched library of entertainment content, combining more than 135 games and more than 430 feature films, TV programs, and videos on UMD from major studios and record labels, as well as downloadable content from the Internet.

About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PS one(TM) game console, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system and the upcoming, much-anticipated PLAYSTATION(R)3 computer entertainment system.

Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for PS one game console, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and PSP handheld entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as regional headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. More information can be found online at http://www.us.playstation.com/ .

Source: Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

CONTACT: Al de Leon of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.,
+1-650-655-7348, or al_deleon@playstation.sony.com; or Meghan Hughes of Text
100 Public Relations Consultancy, +1-415-593-8435, or meghanh@text100.com, for
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.

Web site: http://www.us.playstation.com/

-------
Profile: intent