Sony Releases PSP Media Manager Tool

Sony's PlayStation Portable soared off store shelves with the promise of the first true portable entertainment experience: in addition to video games it plays music and movies, photo slideshows and even supports Web browsing. But getting content onto the PSP has proven easier said than done.

On Tuesday, Sony responded to the complaints by releasing the PSP Media Manager, a software application designed to ease the process of transferring content to the device. Using thumbnail navigation, users can select photos and videos to be converted into formats the PSP supports.

Users can set a number of different quality parameters before transferring media, and even subscribe to RSS feeds such as podcasts to be automatically downloaded onto the PSP.

"Whether your source is 16:9 high definition video footage, a collection of photos from your latest vacation, or a PSP formatted publication, this new technology lets you view and share it anywhere you and your PSP system go," said Sony Media Software VP Dave Chaimson.

But the PSP Media Manager won't be free to existing customers. An online download of the tool will cost $19.95 USD, with a retail packaged priced at $29.95 USD. The retail box includes 6-foot USB 2.0 cable and five free song downloads from Sony's Connect music store.