Although the Playstation Portable was originally intended for playing games, it looks like it could end up being more popular as a portable video player due to how well its UMD video sales are going. Now Japan will be releasing music titles on UMD, thus allowing the PSP to be used as a portable music player also.
Eagle Rock Entertainment will initially provide music titles on UMD format and plans on releasing less CD and DVD titles by releasing some titles on the PSP's UMD format instead. These will include both live and video collections. Unlike CDs, these UMD discs are not only much smaller in diameter, but may also carry music videos, live performances and interviews like with a music DVD release.
In am aim to promote their music UMDs, Eagle Rock has made available several MPEG4 video clips which can be played on the PSP by using a memory stick.
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Get your headphones ready, because Eagle Rock Entertainment announced recently that it will be one of the first providers of UMD Music-format releases. The company is culling from its slate of CD and DVD titles a number of discs for release on the PlayStation Portable's UMD format, including live performances and video collections from leading and legendary performers. Like the Japanese UMD Music releases, these aren't exactly miniaturized CDs to pop into your PSP and play so much as they are music-specific DVD releases. Of course, you can just listen to the music on the disc if you want, but each disc has video components for all music content, which consist of band videos, interviews, and live performances. Read the full article here. |
As consumers are gradually moving from CDs to compact portable audio devices, the PSP may keep discs going for another while yet, especially by offering video playback. With strong sales for UMD movies, it looks like Apple may soon be too late to offer a 'video iPod'. Then again, the interest for music-only players is unlikely going to die anytime soon, especially for people such as drivers who cannot watch a screen as well as the road at the same time.
Source: ign.com - PSP
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