Does anyone know if it's possible to use a Sony PSP to monitor video?
I have one and a director working on a shoot would like a way to check framing without having to look over my shoulder. I know we could buy an external LCD but as it's only for framing I was wondering if the PSP might suffice.

It is very tempting, but no. The PSP does not support video input, sorry.

The monitor isn't very good to begin with anyways. Not color accurate, and bad ghosting.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6169941.html

Apparently there is a camera coming out for the PSP.

"The camera, which can be twisted 180 degrees, will also have a microphone and up to two and a half hours worth of video recording time. When used with a 4GB memory stick, it can hold more than 40,000 photos. Go! Cam will also come bundled with the photo, video, and audio-editing software Go! Edit."

That's what got me thinking. If they can make a camera for it then surly there must be a way to get video in to it. Don't care one bit about quality, it could be Black and White for all I care. It's just to look at the action on the screen. Much like a video split they use on features. Ah well. Thanks for the replies guys.

The easiest solution would be ANY screen with any form of video in. Be it component/S-video/RCA. You can output SD while shooting/recording HD not problem. It all depends on how small/portable you need it. I have used a very old small TV duct tapped to a VCR which was needed for the S-Video/RCA inputs(I even duct-tapped it a handle). Worked just great for framing and beat the hell out of the LCD for focus adjust. The cam could select output to the TV in letterbox or squashed frame. I used to run RCA cable for extremely long distances from the cam to the TV by using joiners. Yes, it is totally not pro but it works!

Actually there is a way. You just have to purchase either the LF-B10 or the better LF-B20. Just hook up the plugs to the box and the video is wirelessly transmitted to the PSP.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=acc_PCAccessories_HomeNetworking_LocationFree&Dept=computers&CP=sony_search_seo&HQS=location%20free%20psp

Because there are no wires hooked up to the PSP, the Director is able to easily walk around the set. This is definitely the perfect solution for you just as long as your willing to spend the money for it.

Demo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsrPkG2a2M0
the photos get a res of 1200x900 (?)
but I don't know if the viseo does

and is this an editing program on the PSP?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9F9iupWqHo

footage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fuZYGVco4I&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN8UtxpeCFU&mode=related&search=

The LocationFree idea's better, the other custom solutions might involve tampering with the PSP's firmware and such so it's not recommended.

Zack,
could you get a higher res camera and stream that wirelessly?

I think the portable PSP solution is very cool indeed. Will the framing match the PSP screen? It would be perfect except for the PSP and the LF-B10 or LF-B20 combo. Not bad if you have a PSP though.
Any other wireless options with a competing price? What about a Zune or iPOD?

Great ideas indeed, but it looks as if the wireless units run off mains power supplies. The use is in the field on an international documentary so I doubt it will suffice. I guess we'll just buy an LCD screen or use a feed into a laptop.

Cheers

I think the portable PSP solution is very cool indeed. Will the framing match the PSP screen? It would be perfect except for the PSP and the LF-B10 or LF-B20 combo. Not bad if you have a PSP though.
Any other wireless options with a competing price? What about a Zune or iPOD?

Well the Zune and Ipod screens seem to be the same size as the camcorder screens, so you might not get a huge advantage other than portability.

Isn't there some camcorder in development that will stream data wirelessly?

Isn't there some camcorder in development that will stream data wirelessly?
That’s what I want Sony to do with the XDCAM EX. It would definitely be a good idea if Sony puts this technology on all future HD camcorders. Sony already offers wireless LCD screens.