DVD playback for PS2

[Panic]

I was planning to buy PS2 as X'mas gift for someone, but I need to know few details on its DVD playback:

Connectivity:

I have heard that the RGB on PS2 has been disabled, can this be fixed. (how would be nice). can you connect the PS2 via the arial socket of a TV

Picture Q :

Can someone tell me how the Picture quality compares to a stand alone mechine. I have heard it has problems on lipsync + layer change, is this on all PS2 or older models.

Sound :

Does it have a built in decoder, does it is have digital out (dts/DD) optical/composite

Multi region:

Can it be converted to multi region, does it have problems with RCE disks

I would be grate ful for any imputs on these matters.

Thanks

"I don't know if this is the right posting place, sorry if it isn't"

[Shingster]

Hi Panic, I don't think you can connect the PS2 to the RF port of your telly, you have to use the SCART port instead.
You can kill 2 birds with one stone though, as the PS2 can be made Multi-regional & have RGB enabled by using the DVD Region-X (http://shop.gameplay.co.uk/webstore/productpage.asp?ProductCode=PT0179). You need to bear in mind that the SCART lead that you get free with the PS2 can't handle an RGB signal, so you'll have to buy a RGB SCART Lead (http://shop.gameplay.co.uk/webstore/productpage.asp?ProductCode=PT0169). I don't think it has problems with RCE (I haven't made my PS2 multiregion myself, as I use my DVDRom to watch DVDs)

As for the layer change, it's no worse/better than that on my mate's standalone player, neither is the lip-synch. The odd DVD has been out of synch, but it's never been too obvious.

It does have an onbord DD decoder with optical Digital out, so you just need a home cinema Amp & speakers to get surround.

BTW the links I've provided are to Gameplay, who I beleive are the cheapest suppliers for the DVD Region-X thingy. (Free P&P as well)

[john316]

Originally posted by Shingster
It does have an onbord DD decoder with optical Digital out, so you just need a home cinema Amp & speakers to get surround.


There is no DD decoder - just a DD/DTS out.

[mr_woo]

Originally posted by Shingster
Hi Panic, I don't think you can connect the PS2 to the RF port of your telly, you have to use the SCART port instead.



Well actually you can, i've seen plenty of RF leads for PS2 available in Game, Electronic Boutique etc. The lead just doesnt come with the console - you have to buy it separately (though goodness only knows why you'd want to hook it up via RF anyway)

[sharkey0903]

dont own a ps2 myself, but my mate has one, it was bought about a month after release and so was in the first batch of chipsets.

the lip synch is terrible and very noticeable on lots of dvd's :(

After discussing this with sony, they agreed to replace it, as they knew about problems with the early chipsets.

Now replaced, and the lip synch is better but still noticeable every now and then, audio playback aint great either. Plays most audio cd's ok, but is fussy with scratches smudges, cat hairs etc, lol

cdr playback is a lot worse


wouldnt rate it as a dvd player compared to a stand alone

[Sonick]

Mines ok (had it two months) the only problem is the controller used a a remote control :brickwall

But you can by a remote control anyway

[R2-D2]

Originally posted by Sonick
Mines ok (had it two months) the only problem is the controller used a a remote control :brickwall

But you can by a remote control anyway
Yes, and if you buy Sony's really nice remote then you get an update to the DVD driver which sorts out a lot of the compatibility and lip-synch problems (the ones that aren't the fault of the disc, anyway :)).

[cervaro]

Originally posted by R2-D2
Yes, and if you buy Sony's really nice remote then you get an update to the DVD driver which sorts out a lot of the compatibility and lip-synch problems (the ones that aren't the fault of the disc, anyway :)).

And the official Sony remote isn't one of those naff products produced by third party suppliers. It's well built and not out of place with numerous pile of remotes I have lying around the house. Must get a Pronto multi-remote (or similar) some day!

[jimmy_b]

Its worth noting that the Region-X will not work with the DVD update that comes with the Sony Remote.

[R2-D2]

Originally posted by jimmy_b
Its worth noting that the Region-X will not work with the DVD update that comes with the Sony Remote.
It's worth noting that my RegionX works fine with the DVD update. What's the problem with yours? (You need to put in different codes to fix the RGB problem when you upgrade the driver -- codes are on the web site http://www.dvdregionx.com/)

[jimmy_b]

Originally posted by R2-D2

It's worth noting that my RegionX works fine with the DVD update. What's the problem with yours? (You need to put in different codes to fix the RGB problem when you upgrade the driver -- codes are on the web site http://www.dvdregionx.com/)

Its not me directly its a mate so he'll have to try again. All I remember is that he has the dongle version. Maybe he didn't try hard enough!

[FlangeMonkey]

Your mate's definitely mistaken.

It works perfectly, but you do need to update the codes on the dongle. Check the website: www.dvdregionx.com

The remote is great, and combined with the Region X you've got a nifty little console that plays DVDs very well indeed. (a steal aswell since I got mine for £150 courtesy of HSBC for refunding my "cashback" from the Scammer debacle!) :D

As for lip sync probs, never had any (on my 40+ discs), and I've had my PS2 since March I think.

As far as layer changes go, pretty standard Sony fare really, about half a sec pause, then you're off.....hardly a problem to bother about considering you don't have to turn the disc over, although since it's a console and got RAM as well, you would have thought they'd have utilised it as a buffer of sorts to avoid the layer change :confused: What were Sony thinking?

Maybe we'll get another firmware update soon?
Sony were always banging on about wanting the PS2 to be Progressive Scan capable...

[Jimmyboy]

Originally posted by FlangeMonkey
The remote is great, and combined with the Region X you've got a nifty little console that plays DVDs very well indeed.



(Cough.............Bullshi............Cough) :D

[Terry]

i've only had problems with 3 discs.2 HKL discs (picture break up) and 15 Minutes (DTS kept going out of synch,but on changing to DD it played fine)

[R2-D2]

Originally posted by jimmy_b
Its not me directly its a mate so he'll have to try again. All I remember is that he has the dongle version. Maybe he didn't try hard enough!
He didn't try at all, maybe. I've got the dongle version. Works fine with the DVD driver upgrade (simple check: do you get the new three speed search or A-B repeat?).

[Steve_S]

(Cough.............Bullshi............Cough)

No picture quality problems with my PS2, certainley comparable with my standalone Tosh.

[cullim]

I've got a few picture problems with mine. I'm using region x with the scart adaptor provided with the ps2. Does this not transfer the rgb signal properly. The picture looks a bit grainy compared to my stand alone Samsung which has just bust. Think this may have been answered earlier in the thread but just checking. It's been a long day.

[Snoopy]

Does the DVD region X thingy also mean that you can play imported games?

[Steve_S]

Does the DVD region X thingy also mean that you can play imported games?

Nope. Only thing that does the job is the messiah chip and it's 20+ wiring points :brickwall

[Dagada]

There is a disc coming out soon that does let you play imported games, I am told.....

I've got the disc version of region-X with no dongle - it works great, but I've not tried it with the updated drivers. I'm told there's an easy way around any problems with updated drivers, though. You have to remove the memory card you installed the remote onto and use the controller instead.

Region X also plays RCE discs fine.

[tezmo]

when playing r1's through rgb scart, would i be right in thinking that my tv (which can do pal60 but not ntsc) would be able to cope?