Modded PAL PS2 vs. NTSC PS2

[LDigital]

The power module is different. I got a cheap ntsc ps2 and swapped the internal power block from my pal ps2 and now I have a ntsc ps2 that runs nicely on uk mains with no adaptor or convertor

[Syntax]

If you want to run backup dvds I would modchip it. I don't think there is an easy way to run unpatched dvds.

If you intend to install a HDD and run iso from that then just FMCB.

All NTSC titles will play at the correct speed BUT PS1 titles are locked to your region ie 50hz for PAL, they'll still play though.

There are ways around this tho but I don't particularly like the PS1 emulation on PS2.

[Syntax]

Just checked my PAL 50002 with 2 USA ps2 titles, and both run at 59.94.

Checked a progressive title too, same deal.

[Syntax]

I'm using a Modbo 5.0

Its kind of annoying to use with a HDD as you have to hold start on each boot to disable the chip then hit reset.
The reason being the chip uses DEV9 and FHDB uses that for the HDD too.

If you don't do this your FHDB will load but no apps will work.

If you run FMCB off the memory card then its not a worry.

There are ways to copy a FHDB image to a HDD so you can build a FMCB memory card ect.

[Xer Xian]

I run FMCB on a stock PAL SCPH-35004 and can confirm as well that NTSC games output at 59.94Hz (that's what the OSSC reports at least). It runs at 59.82Hz for 240p games.

I imported a fat NTSC-J console but recently sold it, for PS2 games it is quite pointless to have once you softmod it.

[Xer Xian]

Yes it's normal, 240p and 480i timings are slightly different - don't remember the details.

Another thing that might be worth pointing out is that some games can't be patched with ESR to run on a PAL PS2, there's a partial list here.

[Sefirosu789]

If you want to run backup dvds I would modchip it. I don't think there is an easy way to run unpatched dvds.

If you intend to install a HDD and run iso from that then just FMCB.

All NTSC titles will play at the correct speed BUT PS1 titles are locked to your region ie 50hz for PAL, they'll still play though.

There are ways around this tho but I don't particularly like the PS1 emulation on PS2.

NTSC PS1 titles at 60HZ won't play on a fat PAL PS2 if you HDD mod it? I was under the impression it would as the region lock is only applied to discs, at least that is what I was told.

[Syntax]

They will play but at 50hz

I was looking into it and there is a way to switch the region of the stock Sony POPS system.

[Sefirosu789]

They will play but at 50hz

I was looking into it and there is a way to switch the region of the stock Sony POPS system.

That's a real shame. I've found a fat PAL PS2 locally for very cheap and was hoping on using that for PS1/PS2. Looks like I will have to shell out probably an extra £40 to get an NTSC PS2... If one ever shows up

How do you switch the region of stock Sony POPS system? Sorry I'm new to PS2 stuff, have only softmodded PSP in the past!

[Syntax]

Im sorry I cant really help you much on the matter, Its something I glossed over a few weeks ago when searching for POPS stuff.

A quick search should bring it up.

[rama]

POPS (the Sony software PSX emulator for PS2) runs NTSC games at correct video timings on PAL machines.

Hardware BC is locked to the console's region normally but there is a workaround:
- console needs to be able to boot PSX backups (requires a modchip)
- foreign region games have to be patched to PAL
- console has a softmod available to run ulaunch.elf
- this homebrew then does the magic: http://ichiba.geocities.jp/ysai187/PS2/PS1VModeNeg.htm
The homebrew "negates" the PS2's region, the modchip allows the backup to start and the patched disk region passes that check in the BIOS.

[Xer Xian]

From what I've read on ASSEMbler forums, hardware seems to be more specialised in either signal format in early models (before G-chassis), whereas later models are entirely driven by software, at least for PS2 games.

I can't really go into the technical details but, even if true, this needs to be put into proper context. The PS2 launch model in Europe (Nov 2000) had serial number SCPH-3000x (model V3, according to here and also other sources - scroll down for models list), and the next revision, as early as Jun 2001 (SCPH-35004 V4 GT3 bundle, the one I have), already runs JPN/USA games at the proper frame-rate as I can attest.

The PS2 launched at 899,000 italian Lire (~570EUR today), and had a price-cut as early as the following year with the next revision, so there can't be too much of those still floating around

Edit: Moreover, according to this post, SCPH-35004 PS2's are D-chassis.

[Xer Xian]

I'm not an expert, so correct me if I'm wrong, but timings could still be ever so slightly off even at a refresh of 59.94 Hz.

How so? I guess they could be different starting from the 3rd decimal digit, but if that's the case good luck figuring it out unless you are a robot