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[[File:UMD front.JPG|thumb|UMD disc front]]
[[File:UMD front.JPG|thumb|UMD disc front]]


The '''Universal Media Disc''' ('''UMD''') is a discontinued [[optical disc]] medium developed by [[Sony]] for use on its [[PlayStation Portable]] handheld [[video game|gaming]] and [[multimedia]] platform. It can hold up to 1.8 [[gigabyte]]s of data and is capable of storing video games, feature-length films, and music. UMD is the [[trademark]] of [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] for their optical disk cartridge (ODC).<ref name="UMD-spec"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Trademark Status & Document Retrieval |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=76514359&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch |website=tsdr.uspto.gov |publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office |access-date=15 December 2023 |ref=USPTO}}</ref>
The '''Universal Media Disc''' ('''UMD''') is a discontinued [[optical disc]] medium developed by [[Sony]] for use on its [[PlayStation Portable]] handheld [[video game|gaming]] and [[multimedia]] platform. It can hold up to 1.8&nbsp;[[gigabyte]]s of data and is capable of storing video games, feature-length films, and music. UMD is the [[trademark]] of [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment]] for their optical disk cartridge (ODC).<ref name="UMD-spec"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Trademark Status & Document Retrieval |url=https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=76514359&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch |website=tsdr.uspto.gov |publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office |access-date=15 December 2023 |ref=USPTO}}</ref>


==Video storage format==
==Video storage format==
While the primary application for UMD discs is as a storage medium for PSP games, the format is also used for the storage of [[motion pictures]] and, to a lesser degree, [[television shows]] for playback on the PSP. The video is encoded in the [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC]] format, with the audio in [[ATRAC3plus]] or [[PCM]]. Video stored on UMD is typically encoded in 720×480 resolution, but is scaled down when displayed on the PSP. To date there are around 1500 films released on UMD (around 1000 are common for all [[DVD region code|regions]] and around 500 are [[DVD region code|region]] exclusives).
While the primary application for UMD discs is as a storage medium for PSP games, the format is also used for the storage of [[film|motion pictures]] and, to a lesser degree, [[television show]]s for playback on the PSP. The video is encoded in the [[Advanced Video Coding|H.264/MPEG-4 AVC]] format, with the audio in [[ATRAC#ATRAC3plus|ATRAC3plus]] or [[pulse-code modulation|PCM]]. Video stored on UMD is typically encoded in 720×480 resolution, but is scaled down when displayed on the PSP. To date, there are around 1,500 films released on UMD (around 1,000 are common for all [[DVD region code|regions]] and around 500 are [[DVD region code|region]] exclusives).
The American punk rock band [[The Offspring]] released their ''[[The Offspring: Complete Music Video Collection|Complete Music Video Collection]]'' on the format.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Offspring-Complete-Music-Video-Collection/dp/B000B8QFHS |title=The Offspring: Complete Music Video Collection [UMD for PSP] (2005) |website=Amazon |date=8 November 2005 |access-date=July 8, 2013}}</ref> The [[BBC]] released a number of its programmes on UMD in the UK, including ''[[The Office (UK)|The Office]]'', ''[[The Mighty Boosh]]'', ''[[Doctor Who]]'' and ''[[Little Britain (sketch show)|Little Britain]]''. [[WWE]] also released some wrestler highlights and documentary content on UMD format, such as ''[[Monday Night War|The Monday Night War]]'', ''[[Jake Roberts|Jake "The Snake" Roberts]]: Pick Your Poison'', and ''[[WWE Raw Homecoming]]'' (a special episode of ''[[WWE Raw]]'' celebrating the return to [[USA Network]]); the only WWE [[pay-per-view]] released on UMD format was [[WrestleMania XXIV]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://wrestlecrap.com/sbt/someone-bought-this-wwe-umd-psp-not-for-me/ |title= Someone Bought This: WWE + UMD + PSP = Not for me! |work=[[WrestleCrap]] |date = 28 June 2015|access-date= May 7, 2020 }}</ref>
The American punk rock band [[The Offspring]] released their ''[[The Offspring: Complete Music Video Collection|Complete Music Video Collection]]'' on the format.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Offspring-Complete-Music-Video-Collection/dp/B000B8QFHS |title=The Offspring: Complete Music Video Collection [UMD for PSP] (2005) |website=Amazon |date=8 November 2005 |access-date=July 8, 2013}}</ref> The [[BBC]] released a number of its programmes on UMD in the UK, including ''[[The Office (British TV series)|The Office]]'', ''[[The Mighty Boosh]]'', ''[[Doctor Who]]'' and ''[[Little Britain (sketch show)|Little Britain]]''. [[WWE]] also released some wrestler highlights and documentary content on UMD format, such as the ''[[Monday Night War]]'', ''[[Jake Roberts|Jake "The Snake" Roberts]]: Pick Your Poison'', and ''[[WWE Raw Homecoming]]'' (a special episode of ''[[WWE Raw]]'' celebrating the return to [[USA Network]]); the only WWE [[pay-per-view]] released on UMD format was [[WrestleMania XXIV]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://wrestlecrap.com/sbt/someone-bought-this-wwe-umd-psp-not-for-me/ |title= Someone Bought This: WWE + UMD + PSP = Not for me! |work=[[WrestleCrap]] |date = 28 June 2015|access-date= May 7, 2020 }}</ref>


[[Tupac Shakur|Tupac]]'s performance, ''[[Live at the House of Blues (Tupac Shakur album)|Live at the House of Blues]]'', was also released on the UMD, which also included several music videos, including ''Hit 'Em Up''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Tupac-Live-At-The-House-Of-Blues/release/3055617|title=Tupac* - Live At The House Of Blues|website=Discogs|language=en|access-date=2020-02-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dvdloc8.com/viewdvd_33373.html|title=Tupac - Live at the House of Blues (UMD Mini For PSP) (UMD, Region 1) - dvdloc8.com|website=dvdloc8.com|access-date=2020-02-21}}</ref>
[[Tupac Shakur|Tupac]]'s performance, ''[[Live at the House of Blues (Tupac Shakur album)|Live at the House of Blues]]'', was also released on the UMD, which also included several music videos, including ''Hit 'Em Up''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Tupac-Live-At-The-House-Of-Blues/release/3055617|title=Tupac* - Live At The House Of Blues|website=Discogs|language=en|access-date=2020-02-21}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dvdloc8.com/viewdvd_33373.html|title=Tupac - Live at the House of Blues (UMD Mini For PSP) (UMD, Region 1) - dvdloc8.com|website=dvdloc8.com|access-date=2020-02-21}}</ref>


Some [[adult film]]s have been released on UMD in Japan.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/psp-procures-porn-in-japan/1100-6126863/ | title = PSP procures porn in Japan | publisher = GameSpot.com | date=June 2, 2005 | access-date=2017-11-19}}</ref>
Some [[pornographic film|adult film]]s have been released on UMD in Japan.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/psp-procures-porn-in-japan/1100-6126863/ | title = PSP procures porn in Japan | publisher = GameSpot.com | date=June 2, 2005 | access-date=2017-11-19}}</ref> Sony reportedly took offence at adult film studios publishing pornography on the medium, but claimed that they were unable to restrict films on UMD like with games and other software for the PSP.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/C25BD059-CD15-485F-A2F6-DFA5EF61277C.htm|title=Sony Computer Entertainment Frowns On PSP UMD Porn, Can't Stop Sales|publisher= [[Game Informer]]|date=June 17, 2005|access-date=2009-01-06 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080731191816/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/C25BD059-CD15-485F-A2F6-DFA5EF61277C.htm |archive-date = 2008-07-31 |author=Chris Cook}}</ref>


==Specifications==
==Specifications==
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* Dimensions: approx. 64&nbsp;mm (diameter) × 4.2&nbsp;mm (thickness)
* Dimensions: approx. 64&nbsp;mm (diameter) × 4.2&nbsp;mm (thickness)
* Maximum capacity: 1.80&nbsp;GB (dual layer), 900&nbsp;MB (single-layer)
* Maximum capacity: 1.80&nbsp;GB (dual layer), 900&nbsp;MB (single-layer)
* Laser [[wavelength]]: 660&nbsp;[[nanometer|nm]] (red [[laser]])
* Laser [[wavelength]]: 660&nbsp;[[nanometre|nm]] (red [[laser]])
* Numerical aperture: 0.64
* Numerical aperture: 0.64
* Track pitch: 0.70&nbsp;μm
* Track pitch: 0.70&nbsp;μm
Line 48: Line 49:


=== Region coding ===
=== Region coding ===
[[DVD region coding]] has been applied to most UMD movies and music. However, all PSP games are region-free, unless, some require pay-to-continue.
[[DVD region code|DVD region coding]] has been applied to most UMD movies and music. However, all PSP games are region-free, although some require pay-to-continue.{{Clarify|date=July 2024}}


*Region ALL: Worldwide (region free)
*Region ALL: Worldwide (region-free)
*Region 1: North America, Central America, Lithuania
*Region 1: North America, Central America, Latin America
*Region 2: Europe (without Russia or Belarus), Japan, Middle East, South Africa, Greenland
*Region 2: Europe (without Russia or Belarus), Japan, Middle East, South Africa, Greenland
*Region 3: Southeast Asia, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong
*Region 3: Southeast Asia, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong
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==Availability and support==
==Availability and support==
UMDs offer large capacity and the capability to store quality audio/video content; however, the format's proprietary nature and the lack of writers and blank media made adoption difficult. The UMD format never saw implementation on any device other than the [[PlayStation Portable]], and as a result the market was very limited compared to those for other optical media formats. Buyers were generally put off by the high price of UMD releases, which often retailed at comparable prices to but lacked the extra content found on [[DVD]]s. Poor sales of UMD movies early in the format's life caused major studios like [[Universal Pictures|Universal]] and [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] to rescind their support.<ref name="hwoodreporter">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002274591 |title=UMD losing H'wood game |last=Arnold |first=Thomas K. |date=2006-03-30 |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2010-02-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401022459/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002274591 |archive-date=April 1, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="pspworld-sony">{{cite web|url=http://www.pspworld.com/sony-psp/accessories/-sony-continues-to-support-umd-format-with-new-pricing-009164.php|title=Sony Continues to Support UMD Format with New Pricing|first=Kris|last=Erickson|date=2008-08-15|publisher=GameFlavor|access-date=2010-02-11|archive-date=2012-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030142912/http://www.pspworld.com/sony-psp/accessories/-sony-continues-to-support-umd-format-with-new-pricing-009164.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> Retail support of the format experienced similar troubles, and in 2006 [[Wal-Mart]] began phasing out shelf space devoted to UMD movies, with other chains soon following suit. By 2006 most non-specialty retail stores had stopped bringing in new UMD movies and no longer had a separate section devoted to them, with a few stray unsold titles mixed in among the regular PSP games.<ref name="qj-walmart">{{cite web|url=http://www.qj.net/psp/news/wal-mart-to-cease-umd-movie-sale.html|title=Wal-Mart to cease UMD movie sale|date=2006-03-30|publisher=QJ.NET|access-date=2010-02-11}}</ref>
UMD offers large capacity and the capability to store quality audio/video content; however, the format's proprietary nature, the lack of writers and accompanying blank media, made adoption difficult. The UMD format never saw implementation on any device other than the [[PlayStation Portable]], and as a result the market was very limited compared to those of other optical media formats. The high price of UMD movie releases were another contributing factor: they often retailed at comparable prices to [[DVD]], but lacked extra content. Poor sales of UMD movies early in the format's life caused major studios like [[Universal Pictures|Universal]] and [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] to rescind their support.<ref name="hwoodreporter">{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002274591 |title=UMD losing H'wood game |last=Arnold |first=Thomas K. |date=2006-03-30 |publisher=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=2010-02-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401022459/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002274591 |archive-date=April 1, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="pspworld-sony">{{cite web|url=http://www.pspworld.com/sony-psp/accessories/-sony-continues-to-support-umd-format-with-new-pricing-009164.php|title=Sony Continues to Support UMD Format with New Pricing|first=Kris|last=Erickson|date=2008-08-15|publisher=GameFlavor|access-date=2010-02-11|archive-date=2012-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030142912/http://www.pspworld.com/sony-psp/accessories/-sony-continues-to-support-umd-format-with-new-pricing-009164.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> Retail support of the format experienced similar troubles, and in 2006, [[walmart|Wal-Mart]] began phasing out shelf space devoted to UMD movies.<ref name=":0" />


In late 2009, Sony began pushing developers away from the UMD format and towards [[digital distribution]] on the [[PlayStation Network]] in preparation for the launch of the digital-download-only [[PSP Go]], which was the first (and only) PSP model to not include a UMD drive.<ref>{{cite web
In late 2009, Sony began pushing developers away from the UMD format and towards [[digital distribution]] on the [[PlayStation Network]] in preparation for the launch of the digital-download-only [[PlayStation Portable#PSP Go (N1000)|PSP Go]], which was the first (and only) PSP model to not include a UMD drive.<ref name=":0">{{cite web
| url = http://www.businessinsider.com/2008/12/exclusive-sony-psp2-rumors-bogus-no-new-handheld-gaming-gadget-coming-sne | title = Sony PSP2 Rumors Bogus | publisher = The Business Insider | date=December 17, 2008 |access-date=2009-10-27}}</ref> However the system experienced lackluster sales compared to previous models, with most consumers still choosing the UMD-compatible [[PSP-3000]] model, which continued to be sold alongside the PSP Go.<ref name="age-pspgo">{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/games/psp-go-a-nogo-as-sony-struggles-for-sales-20091020-h5wn.html|title=PSP Go a no-go as Sony struggles for sales|first=Asher|last=Moses|date=2009-10-20|publisher=Fairfax Digital|access-date=2010-02-11}}</ref><ref name="andriasang-enterbrain">{{cite web|url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/11/02/psp_go_first_day_sales/|title=Enterbrain Shares PSP go First Day Sales|first=Anoop|last=Gantayat|publisher=andriasang.com|date=2009-11-02|access-date=2010-02-11}}</ref> Despite the earlier push for PlayStation Network releases around the PSP Go's launch, over half of the PSP's library was only ever available in UMD format including ''[[Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]'', though there have been a few PlayStation Network–only releases since the PSP Go's launch, such as ''[[LocoRoco Midnight Carnival]]''. Still, most new games continued to be distributed via UMD, and, aside from those published by [[Sony Computer Entertainment|SCE]], not all have been released on PlayStation Network. In 2011, the [[PSP-E1000]], a budget PSP model with a UMD slot but without [[Wi-Fi]] (and thus no internet connectivity), was released, and is the final revision of the PlayStation Portable.
| url = http://www.businessinsider.com/2008/12/exclusive-sony-psp2-rumors-bogus-no-new-handheld-gaming-gadget-coming-sne | title = Sony PSP2 Rumors Bogus | publisher = The Business Insider | date=December 17, 2008 |access-date=2009-10-27}}</ref> However, the system experienced lackluster sales compared to previous models, with most consumers still choosing the UMD-compatible [[PlayStation Portable#PSP-3000|PSP-3000]] model, which continued to be sold alongside the PSP Go.<ref name="age-pspgo">{{cite web|url=http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/games/psp-go-a-nogo-as-sony-struggles-for-sales-20091020-h5wn.html|title=PSP Go a no-go as Sony struggles for sales|first=Asher|last=Moses|date=2009-10-20|publisher=Fairfax Digital|access-date=2010-02-11}}</ref><ref name="andriasang-enterbrain">{{cite web|url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/11/02/psp_go_first_day_sales/|title=Enterbrain Shares PSP go First Day Sales|first=Anoop|last=Gantayat|publisher=andriasang.com|date=2009-11-02|access-date=2010-02-11}}</ref> Despite the earlier push for PlayStation Network releases around the PSP Go's launch, over half of the PSP's library was only made available in UMD format including ''[[Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII]]'' and ''[[Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep]]''. There have been a few PlayStation Network exclusive releases since the PSP Go's launch, such as ''[[LocoRoco Midnight Carnival]]''. Still, most new games continued to be distributed via UMD, and, aside from those published by [[Sony Interactive Entertainment|SCE]], not all have been released on PlayStation Network.


The successor of the PlayStation Portable, the PlayStation Vita, did not include UMD support, nor was it added throughout its lifespan. In move similar to the PSP Go, Sony focused on digital downloads and opted for low-profile flash-based cartridges as the system's main media format. Since 2011, there have been no more movies published on UMD in all Regions, excluding Region 3, which saw releases of adult content up until 2016. Games were published on UMD up until 2013.
Since 2011, there have been no more movies released on the UMD, after the PS Vita's release.


UMD can be dumped into disc image files ([[optical disc image|.iso]] or .cso), using a [[PlayStation Portable homebrew|modified PSP]]. This file can be loaded by a modified PSP through the [[Memory Stick]], similar to titles that were distributed through the PlayStation Network.
The successor of the PlayStation Portable, the PlayStation Vita, dropped the Universal Media Disc support in 2011, March 21 in move similar to the PSP Go's discontinuation, focusing instead on digital downloads and opting for low-profile flash-based media for its retail software. 2014 marked the discontinuation of the PlayStation Portable, which rendered UMDs are no longer available on the PSP, due to the Region Lock, which began in 2014, November 17.

UMD can be dumped into normal disc image files ([[.iso]] or .cso), using a [[PlayStation Portable homebrew|cracked PSP]] for the optical drive. This file can be loaded by a cracked PSP or PS Vita from a MemoryStick, using a hacked version of the game download functionality.


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 19:15, 16 November 2024

Universal Media Disc
Media typeOptical disc
Capacity900 MB (single layer), 1.8 GB (dual layer)
Developed bySony
UsageGames, movies, music
ReleasedDecember 12, 2004; 20 years ago (2004-12-12)
UMD disc front

The Universal Media Disc (UMD) is a discontinued optical disc medium developed by Sony for use on its PlayStation Portable handheld gaming and multimedia platform. It can hold up to 1.8 gigabytes of data and is capable of storing video games, feature-length films, and music. UMD is the trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment for their optical disk cartridge (ODC).[1][2]

Video storage format

While the primary application for UMD discs is as a storage medium for PSP games, the format is also used for the storage of motion pictures and, to a lesser degree, television shows for playback on the PSP. The video is encoded in the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC format, with the audio in ATRAC3plus or PCM. Video stored on UMD is typically encoded in 720×480 resolution, but is scaled down when displayed on the PSP. To date, there are around 1,500 films released on UMD (around 1,000 are common for all regions and around 500 are region exclusives). The American punk rock band The Offspring released their Complete Music Video Collection on the format.[3] The BBC released a number of its programmes on UMD in the UK, including The Office, The Mighty Boosh, Doctor Who and Little Britain. WWE also released some wrestler highlights and documentary content on UMD format, such as the Monday Night War, Jake "The Snake" Roberts: Pick Your Poison, and WWE Raw Homecoming (a special episode of WWE Raw celebrating the return to USA Network); the only WWE pay-per-view released on UMD format was WrestleMania XXIV.[4]

Tupac's performance, Live at the House of Blues, was also released on the UMD, which also included several music videos, including Hit 'Em Up.[5][6]

Some adult films have been released on UMD in Japan.[7] Sony reportedly took offence at adult film studios publishing pornography on the medium, but claimed that they were unable to restrict films on UMD like with games and other software for the PSP.[8]

Specifications

ECMA-365: Data Interchange on 60 mm Read-Only ODC – Capacity: 1.8 GB (UMD)[1]

  • Dimensions: approx. 64 mm (diameter) × 4.2 mm (thickness)
  • Maximum capacity: 1.80 GB (dual layer), 900 MB (single-layer)
  • Laser wavelength: 660 nm (red laser)
  • Numerical aperture: 0.64
  • Track pitch: 0.70 μm
  • Minimum pit length: 0.1384 μm
  • Modulation: 8-to-16 RLL(2,10)
  • Encryption: AES 128-bit[failed verification]

The case dimensions for UMD discs are 177×104×14mm.[9]

Provisions

According to the official ECMA specification Sony designed the UMD to support two possible future enhancements and products.[1]

  1. Protective Shutter: Similar to the MiniDisc and 312-inch floppy disk, this protective shutter would shield the inner disc from accidental contact.
  2. Auto-Loading: UMDs were designed for possible future slot loading devices with Auto-Loading mechanisms. These would be very similar to the auto-loading mechanism used in slot loading MiniDisc home and car decks. It would also be similar to the Sony U-Matic auto-loading mechanism. Unlike the current clamshell loading design the PSP uses, a slot loading device using an Auto-Loading mechanism would be motorized and completely automatic. The user would insert the disc into the device slot, the motorized mechanism would then take over and draw the disc inside the drive completing the loading process. The disc would also be ejected fully automatically by the motorized mechanism, like a VCR. This would also mean that power would be required in order to insert or eject a disc.

Region coding

DVD region coding has been applied to most UMD movies and music. However, all PSP games are region-free, although some require pay-to-continue.[clarification needed]

  • Region ALL: Worldwide (region-free)
  • Region 1: North America, Central America, Latin America
  • Region 2: Europe (without Russia or Belarus), Japan, Middle East, South Africa, Greenland
  • Region 3: Southeast Asia, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong
  • Region 4: Oceania, South America
  • Region 5: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, India, Pakistan, Africa (without Egypt or South Africa), North Korea, Mongolia
  • Region 6: China

Availability and support

UMD offers large capacity and the capability to store quality audio/video content; however, the format's proprietary nature, the lack of writers and accompanying blank media, made adoption difficult. The UMD format never saw implementation on any device other than the PlayStation Portable, and as a result the market was very limited compared to those of other optical media formats. The high price of UMD movie releases were another contributing factor: they often retailed at comparable prices to DVD, but lacked extra content. Poor sales of UMD movies early in the format's life caused major studios like Universal and Paramount to rescind their support.[10][11] Retail support of the format experienced similar troubles, and in 2006, Wal-Mart began phasing out shelf space devoted to UMD movies.[12]

In late 2009, Sony began pushing developers away from the UMD format and towards digital distribution on the PlayStation Network in preparation for the launch of the digital-download-only PSP Go, which was the first (and only) PSP model to not include a UMD drive.[12] However, the system experienced lackluster sales compared to previous models, with most consumers still choosing the UMD-compatible PSP-3000 model, which continued to be sold alongside the PSP Go.[13][14] Despite the earlier push for PlayStation Network releases around the PSP Go's launch, over half of the PSP's library was only made available in UMD format including Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII and Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep. There have been a few PlayStation Network exclusive releases since the PSP Go's launch, such as LocoRoco Midnight Carnival. Still, most new games continued to be distributed via UMD, and, aside from those published by SCE, not all have been released on PlayStation Network.

The successor of the PlayStation Portable, the PlayStation Vita, did not include UMD support, nor was it added throughout its lifespan. In move similar to the PSP Go, Sony focused on digital downloads and opted for low-profile flash-based cartridges as the system's main media format. Since 2011, there have been no more movies published on UMD in all Regions, excluding Region 3, which saw releases of adult content up until 2016. Games were published on UMD up until 2013.

UMD can be dumped into disc image files (.iso or .cso), using a modified PSP. This file can be loaded by a modified PSP through the Memory Stick, similar to titles that were distributed through the PlayStation Network.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Ecma International (June 2005). "Data Interchange on 60 mm Read-Only ODC—Capacity: 1,8 Gbytes (UMD)" (PDF).
  2. ^ "Trademark Status & Document Retrieval". tsdr.uspto.gov. United States Patent and Trademark Office. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  3. ^ "The Offspring: Complete Music Video Collection [UMD for PSP] (2005)". Amazon. 8 November 2005. Retrieved July 8, 2013.
  4. ^ "Someone Bought This: WWE + UMD + PSP = Not for me!". WrestleCrap. 28 June 2015. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  5. ^ "Tupac* - Live At The House Of Blues". Discogs. Retrieved 2020-02-21.
  6. ^ "Tupac - Live at the House of Blues (UMD Mini For PSP) (UMD, Region 1) - dvdloc8.com". dvdloc8.com. Retrieved 2020-02-21.
  7. ^ "PSP procures porn in Japan". GameSpot.com. June 2, 2005. Retrieved 2017-11-19.
  8. ^ Chris Cook (June 17, 2005). "Sony Computer Entertainment Frowns On PSP UMD Porn, Can't Stop Sales". Game Informer. Archived from the original on 2008-07-31. Retrieved 2009-01-06.
  9. ^ "What is UMD Software? - Definition, Specifications, and More". Computer Tech Reviews. 2019-11-10. Retrieved 2020-02-27.
  10. ^ Arnold, Thomas K. (2006-03-30). "UMD losing H'wood game". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 1, 2009. Retrieved 2010-02-11.
  11. ^ Erickson, Kris (2008-08-15). "Sony Continues to Support UMD Format with New Pricing". GameFlavor. Archived from the original on 2012-10-30. Retrieved 2010-02-11.
  12. ^ a b "Sony PSP2 Rumors Bogus". The Business Insider. December 17, 2008. Retrieved 2009-10-27.
  13. ^ Moses, Asher (2009-10-20). "PSP Go a no-go as Sony struggles for sales". Fairfax Digital. Retrieved 2010-02-11.
  14. ^ Gantayat, Anoop (2009-11-02). "Enterbrain Shares PSP go First Day Sales". andriasang.com. Retrieved 2010-02-11.