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What Is the UMD ISO Mode?

UMD ISO mode is a setting for the Sony PSP that allows it to play games from a memory stick instead of the Universal Media Disk. It is only available on PSPs running an unofficial operating system, called "custom firmware" or "homebrew." UMD ISOs are exact copies of data stored on a UMD, which can be run by the PSP as if the original UMD were inserted.

PlayStation Portable
- The Sony PlayStation Portable is a handheld gaming system released in Japan in December 2004 and in North America in September 2005 . It was the first handheld system to use an optical disk, the UMD, as its primary storage medium. It has a large viewing screen, integrated Wi-Fi, and can play various types of media, including music, movies and some formats of digital books.
  
  The PSP Slim & Lite was released in September 2007, which had an integrated microphone and a lighter, smaller frame. The PSP Go was released in October 2009, with greatly increased internal storage, and no UMD drive.
Universal Media Disks
- The Universal Media Disk is a type of optical disk designed for use with the PSP. It measures 64 mm in diameter, and is about 4 mm thick. A single layer UMD can store 900MB of data, while a dual layer UMD stores 1.8GB. Primarily, they serve as game disks for the PSP, though a number of movies and some TV shows have been released in UMD format. As of June 2010, the PSP is the only device that uses the UMD.
Custom Firmware
- In June 2005, an unofficial version of the PSP operating system was released by a group of hackers. This unofficial operating system is known as "homebrew," and it allows PSP owners to use programs and features on their PSPs that have not been authorized by Sony. UMD ISO mode is one such feature. Sony has no official objection to using homebrew software on PSPs, though they do claim that any issues caused by running unauthorized programs would void the warranty. Because software piracy is a popular use for homebrew, Sony has attempted to discourage its use.
UMD ISO Mode
- UMD ISO mode is a software feature that can only be enabled on homebrewed PSPs, enabling the PSP to read a digital copy of a UMD (the ISO) as if it were an actual UMD inserted in the device. The UMD ISO is stored on the PSP&'s memory stick (another digital storage device developed by Sony.)
Benefits and Risks
- Running a PSP game from a memory stick uses considerably less power than running it from a UMD. There is no disk to spin and no laser to power, resulting in extended battery life and reduced wear and tear on the PSP and UMD. PSPs running homebrew software are not supported by Sony, though. Any software or hardware issues that arise will not be covered under the PSPs warranty. Further, making and using copies of software (like PSP games) that you do not own is illegal in the U.S.

Sony PSP