Sony Computer Entertainment has announced the group of 27 companies it has approved to produce UMD Video software for the Playstation Portable (PSP). I can't see how these companies expect to make any money off this myself. Why would anyone pay up to $40 for something they can get on DVD for the half the price?

Sony Computer Entertainment has granted approval to 27 domestic companies to produce contents in UMD Video format for the Playstation Portable (PSP) and will begin sales of video software for the device from April.

UMD Video is a video format newly developed by Sony for the PSP that uses a 60mm diameter optical disc. A UMD Music format has also been defined for music playback. With a recording capacity of 1.8GB, the UMD standard uses a disc ID and 128bit AES encryption system to protect author's rights.

In addition to Sony Group manufacturers such as Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) and Sony Music Entertainment (SME), the announced group of 27 companies includes video software makers such as Bandai Visual, Asmik Ace Entertainment and Tohoku Shinsha as well as game software makers such as Square Enix and Koei. Sony Pictures and Sony Music will release UMD Video products on April 13.

Content Producers

AquaPlus
Asmik Ace Entertainment
Aniplex
Enterbrain
Capcom
Koei
Saidera Paradiso
JSDSS
GDH
Shogakukan Production
Square Enix
Spike
Sony Computer Entertainment Japan
Sony Picture Entertainment
Sony Music Entertainment
Digital Media Lab
Tohoku Shinsha Film Corporation
Toppan
Tomy
Nikkatsu
Hudson
Happinet
Bandai
Bandai Visual
Pony Canyon
Marvelous Entertainment
MediaWorks

A number of UMD Video software titles have already been announced. Bandai reported in October 2004 that it would release "Kidou Senshi Gundam for PSP" (working title) as UMD Video software. In February, Sony Music Entertainment announced its intention to release UMD Video software. In addition, "Spiderman 2" UMD Video software will be bundled with the first 1 million units for the North American release of the Playstation Portable (PSP) on March 24.

Five companies have also been chosen to assist with UMD Video authoring.

IMAGICA
QTEC
Sony PCL
Sony Music Communications
Frameworks Entertainment

Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20050303/scei.htm

News Release (PDF):
http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/050303.pdf