Best way to view PS2 on a PAL 50inch TV at a low price?

[brownvim]

Iv decided to dust off my PS2 and play some games I missed out on, such as Shadow of the Colossus, Onimusha, Okami and maybe replay FF12.

Like the title says, i have a 3D panasonic VT20 and the PS2 just doesn't look like what it used to on my 28 inch CRT that iv regrettably thrown out.

Iv got it currently set up with the rubbish yellow red and white input cable which doesn't help, I'm going to buy the ps2/ps3 component cable for it to make it a little better but don't think that will be enough.

This brings me to reading about the HD Box Pro or maybe someone could suggest something else? Iv read alot of Fudohs posts about it and checked out his review. There are a few things I'm concerned about which I hope you retro gamers can clear up for me...

1. Will the picture actually be much better than component? Iv seen some videos and it gets me excited! but I don't want to be disappointed in the end.

2. With my PS2 being PAL does that limit me in any way? I can get NTSC games to play on it if that makes any difference?

3. The hd box pro has a serial connection out only, my tv has a port for it but doesn't look like it accepts 50hz from looking at the tv manual.

Much appreciated if anyone can help me out!

[brownvim]

Ok done a little more reading and found the LKV351, outputs hdmi which my tv would be more comfortable with but it's only 720p, my tv is native 1080p.

Any ps2 upscalers that output 1080p without breaking the bank?

[Fudoh]

but it's only 720p, my tv is native 1080p.

it doesn't make a visible difference with this unit.

[brownvim]

I was hoping you would post Fudoh

My tv isnt great at scaling as I can feel the input lag when I use my PS3 instead of 360 which scales the image before it sends it to the tv.

That's why I think I need it already scaled to 1080p to minimise and added lag.

Any suggestion?

I found this http://www.vivomounts.com/component_to_ ... tv_etc.asp

but don't know if it makes the picture any better

[emphatic]

I say try the component first.

[brownvim]

Ye your right, should get the component cable on Tuesday.

[Fudoh]

My tv isnt great at scaling as I can feel the input lag when I use my PS3 instead of 360 which scales the image before it sends it to the tv.

I have never encountered any TV set which has processing delays for using 720p and 1080p, so I assume the lag you feel is introduced elsewhere.

And even if your TV was slower using 720p instead of 1080p, you'd just move the processing lag to a different device by using an external upscaler (in this price class. there are other, more expensive units which have faster scaling).

[brownvim]

I'm really sensitive to input lag.

Iv tried the same games such as black ops, FIFA on both consoles (360 and PS3) on the same TV and the PS3 definitely lags more and the main reason I believe is because the 360 has a built in scaler which outputs all games to the TVs native res compared to the ps3 which usually sends it out at 720p.

I know you can force the PS3 to send it at 1080p but it usually makes the game look worse rather than better.

I do find it all a bit confusing to be honest and just wish I could get that instant button press feeling Like a CRT.

[brownvim]

So Fudoh what do you recommend for a decent fast scaling ps2 picture?

I don't have any other upscalers by the way

[Fudoh]

If you need really fast processing (1/2 frame max) and upscaling to 1080p, you have to get an Edge. Other than that I won't copy & page my complete homepage, just read it yourself....

[brownvim]

Ye thought so, was just hoping you might of found something new as iv read a lot of your homepage the past few days.

I guess I could wait for your review of the Frame Meister, looks like a contender.

Thanks a lot for your time.

[Fudoh]

I guess I could wait for your review of the Frame Meister?

most definitely

[brownvim]

Iv gone from "cheap VGA" to wanting an Edge or Frame Meister haha.

Look forward to the review, thanks again.

[BuckoA51]

TV's often do more processing with the component inputs than with the VGA input too, which not only adds lag but makes the picture sorta washed out, ok for video but not good for games. The majority of PS2 games run in interlace too, which really there's no perfect way to play lag free on a HDTV. You might want to investigate the GSM mode changer or HDTV boot discs for forcing games into 480p.

I can completely recommend the Ico/Shadow of the Colossus remakes for the PS3 too.

[brownvim]

I will definitely give the GSM a go when I get my component cable, thanks.

[brownvim]

Ok got my official Sony ps2/3 component cable today, but sadly couldnt test it on my 50inch tv yet, tried it on my 32 inch samsung...

plugged it in, immediately noticed the improvement from just navigating the menus and hdloader splash screen. Alot sharper and no colors that have that snowy effect, nice and solid.

Started final fantasy xii and although it was a lot better it still wasn't that great, the colors looked washed out, lacked that sharpness.

I thought I'd give the GSM mode changer a go, set it up. Found out that I can get the ps2 to output the game at 1080i (the other resolutions cause it to BSOD). So got it to output at 1080i and loved it!
Very nice picture, well happy makes me wonder how good it would be with a proper upscaler.
The washed out look was gone and it's brought the picture a lot closer to how I remembered it on my CRT but now in widescreen.

I took some pictures from the different modes will upload them if anyone's interested in seeing the results.
I'm gonna have to see what the input lag is like with some faster games.

Thanks again BuckoA51 and Fudoh!

The only little problem iv got is now that it's in 1080i, theres a black border around the whole picture, I'm guessing I can't fix that as I'd be stretching the picture?