Hello there.
I am very new to this site, as well as a total non-user to PSP. infact I got board riding trains here in Tokyo, so i bought a psp, with NO idea what it can/cant do. So I come prostrated at you PSP/Homebrew ( hope that is right)/hardware hackers/and non-laymen GuRu'S.

I also want to appoligize first for doing the very bad thing of NOT reading every thread here. I simply do not have the time, and I really want to play with my PsP. So I am sorry.

My question: I have a PSP-1000 G1 ( giga pack here in Japan)
software version(?) 2.50
1gig memory stick
region 2

I want to TRY game before BUY game but not sure how to do this. Does the most current eloader version work with 2.50? do I have to "Hack" the software manually, ussing something liek HEX editor? Do i have to have GTA game to really use the psp to TEST software? ISt here such a thing as a kind of region remover or reset option, so I can watch dvd rips/iso's of films I make? Anyone know if there is way to view xvid/3ivx/apple codec video files on PSP? I notice that most "softwares" are US or EU., do you think it will be a problum to play those version on Japanese PsP?
and lastly, to use the GTA exploit, do it have to be retail version or one i am TRYING, or even does it have to be US/EU version?

thank you for your patience, and take time to read this. hope you all haveing a great day.

The GTA loader only works for some eboots and all those codecs u listed non of em work the only codecs that work on the psp are for audio-mp3, wma(with2.60 and internet connection), and atract3 plus
video-mp4

the only way to test out a game before u buy it is either to barrow from a friend rent it (gamefly) or run isos off the memory stick and cause u have 2.50 u cant and cause the only guy who knows how to crack the newer firmwares is against isos he wont be making a iso loader for 2.xx Ur best bet if u want to run isos and homebrews is to buy a new psp off ebay and make sure they say its vers 1.50 or buy a new motherboard that is in ver1.50 and void ur warrenty but who cares it takes 4 to 6 months to get it back once u send it to them.

yea. with 2.5, it is currently impossible to play isos (files that are basicially the UMD games) on the psp. try renting or borrowing from people.

No way to play without pay on 2.5..that's for sure.

In the future if kernel mode is somehow accessed then it can be possible.

thank you for the info everyone

info is good.