PS2 to HDMI

[AndehX]

I'd only bother with the HDMI converter if you absolutely must have HDMI. If you are fine with component, then just stick to that.

[nmalinoski]

Being that you care about picture quality, I would not even consider the PS2-to-HDMI adapters for the very reasons you listed.

My preference would be for component, and this is what I use in my own setup. If you have a TV that doesn't play nice with 240p over component, or you just otherwise need HDMI, I recommend also getting an OSSC.

[werk91]

I had one a while ago and the picture noise was abysmal. Honestly those generic Scart to HDMI boxes might be a better cheap alternative, if you don't mind the motion blur...

[orange808]

If you buy multiple disappointing cheap solutions and keep purchasing replacements, you'll eventually spend as much (or more) than the cost of the OSSC. Just something to keep in mind.

[nmalinoski]

If you buy multiple disappointing cheap solutions and keep purchasing replacements, you'll eventually spend as much (or more) than the cost of the OSSC. Just something to keep in mind.

I made this mistake by buying an Extron IN1508 before reading about its lack of 240p support on these and other forums and ultimately learning that I needed specifically an RGB decoder; it's currently in a box in the attic because no one else wants it.

[Guspaz]

One problem is that most of these devices are generic things, and the innards of generic devices can change at random even if they look identical on the outside. Somebody could recommend a device today that works great for them, and when you buy it tomorrow it's totally different inside and sucks.

My advice on the cheap approach is to buy a decent set of PS2 component cables and plug them into a TV. HD Retrovision is going to have PS2 component cables in their next batch, and they're simple straight-through cables that just take advantage of the fact that they've got really high quality cables and connectors that fit just right, so they should be cheaper than their RGB to YPbPr conversion cables.

The more expensive approach is to get an OSSC, which will probably do a much better job at converting YPbPr to RGB than your TV will, and pair that either with a good set of PS2 component cables, or get some good PS2 RGB cables and get your PS2 csync modded.

[Xyga]

Regarding the PS2 - fat - and noise over component, I've been convinced for a long time that a good portion of the video noise comes from the cooling fan.
On my model (50004) I can see it getting twice as strong exactly the same time the fan's active.
Honestly a 30 zeni component cable never made a clear difference with a 3 zeni one, neither on my fat PS2 nor on others I've tried at the time.

[Guspaz]

Disclaimer: I'm biased, I'm an HDRV distributor.

I can't comment on the quality of the Monster Cables units, as I've no experience with them. For the HDRV cables, Nick and Ste took things to an extreme when getting/designing the cable stock and connectors and construction, studying the results of putting test signals down the cables on an oscilloscope and rejecting samples that didn't hold up. So basically, the Monster cables may or may not be good, but the HDRV cables definitely will be good.

Way back during their kickstarter, they posted an anecdote (with before/after spectrum graphs) where they got cable samples from the manufacturer, rejected them, and had them add an extra layer of shielding around the signal wires:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hd ... ts/1490839