PSP World

Sony's Official Word on PSP 3000 Interlacing Problem

Sony today issued an official response to customers who have complained about interlacing artifacts visible in the new PSP 3000 display (see below). It seems that the issue is related to new hardware used in the device, and cannot be fixed by firmware. Most likely, the culprit is an interlaced screen, ironically used to diminish an earlier problem -- image ghosting. The ghosting effect, which was caused by a slow refresh rate and most visible when dark objects travel across a light background, was a frequent complaint among owners of the PSP 1000 and PSP 2000 models.

To alleviate the problem, Sony most likely used an interlaced screen in the new model, which reduces refresh lag by drawing alternating lines instead of the entire array. Those with sensitive eyes will be able to make out these scanlines, especially when light-colored objects move across dark-colored backgrounds. Yikes. Well, good thing we spend all day squinting at our computer screens to bring you the latest PSP news and information, because our old eyes have a hard time spotting the problem. Here is a still-frame shot to help those, like us, who can't tell the difference:

The PSP 3000 displays interlaced scanlines (left) while the PSP 2000 suffers ghosting (right). Take your pick.

Sony's official word on the PSP 3000 screen:

[Sources: Sony, Joystiq]

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