Sony’s new PSP model has screen issues, but software therapy just isn’t in the stars.
It turns out the sexy and superior PSP-3000 may not be all that it’s cracked up to be. Sure, it’s got a “wider color gamut and anti-reflection technology,” but those deliciously bright and sharp screens also have something else the handheld’s predecessor doesn’t: crappy, visible scan lines. There’s nothing like killing the mood with a bucket of ice water.
In response to growing user complaints, Sony acknowledged the hardware issue, but it doesn’t sound like much, if anything, will be done to remedy the problem.
“On some occasions, scan lines may appear on scenes where brightness changes drastically, due to the hardware features of the new LCD device on PSP-3000,” SCEA told PSP Fanboy this week. “Installed with this new LCD device, PSP-3000 offers more natural and vibrant colors on its screen, but the scan lines have come out to be more visible as a result of improving response time to alleviate the afterimages on PSP-3000.”
The PSP-3000 officially launched earlier this month, featuring a number of minor changes to the second generation PSP. Most notably, the LCD was improved to include a broader color range, decreased reflectivity for outdoor use, a higher contrast ration, and a quicker pixel response time to eliminate the blurring and “ghosting” issues users experienced with the PSP-2000. The new model also features some button reconfiguration and a built-in microphone.
Unfortunately for PS-3000 owners experiencing the scan line issues, Sony’s final comment doesn’t bode well. “Since this is due to hardware specification, there are no plans for a system software update concerning this issue.” Bet you’re feeling glum about trading in your PSP-2000 now aren’t you?
