Playstation 2 Hardware

~B

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
S O N Y P L A Y S T A T I O N 2 F E A T U R E S F A Q
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
FAQ for the US Playstation 2 Console Features
Version 1.2
Model: SCPH-30001
By: “A” Tadeo
Created: May 7, 2001
Date last Updated: June 27, 2001
Mail me at: aaron20@edsamail.com.ph
Home Page: http://surf.to/aaronph


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
INTRODUCTION
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Greetings again! Here I am exploring new grounds again. I’ll just explain to
you what you need to know about the Sony Playstation 2 Console’s (US SCPH-
30001) uses and features. Hopefully, I’ll be able to go as in-depth as I can
to explain the parts/peripherals and their uses. If ever I commit any
mistake, please feel free to send in your corrections/suggestions. They will
be most welcome. But please remember that I won’t be including any other
models of PS2.

Now, my goals in writing this FAQ is to let owners of PS2 have a greater
experience by knowing more about their system. As for those who’re still
planning to buy the PS2, this will give them a look ahead and see the cool
features of the system. Take note that I’m putting everything in my own words
and some infos here are not included in the PS2 manual. That means, I’ll be
explaining almost everything from experience. I also won’t delve into the
specifications and configurations as it would be the manual’s turf, I’ll just
concentrate on what you can do with your system. Here we go.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
CONTENTS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

I. The Console
A. The Package
B. Console Body
C. Plugging in your PS2
II. Features
A. Playstation 2 Games
B. Playstation (PS One) Games
C. DVD Playback
D. CD Audio Playback
E. Video CD Playback
F. Peripheral Backward Compatibility
G. The Expansion Bay
H. USB and IEEE Ports
I. Internet Capabilities
III. Issues
IV. Frequently-Asked Questions
V. Credits and Acknowledgements


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
UPDATES/REVISIONS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Version 1.2 (Started: June 27, 2001)
------------------------------------
- Internet Capabilities Update
- New Issue

Version 1.1 (Started: May 16, 2001)
-----------------------------------
- more DVD info
- Peripheral backward compatibility info

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
THE CONSOLE
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The features of the console are the powerful 128-bit Emotion Engine, a
specially designed processor for the system, running at approximately 300 mhz
(300 Million Instructions per second). It has a 32 Megabyte RAM and a
powerful 128 mhz (approx.) Graphics Processor. It is able to read DVDs and
CDs and play games, movies, and audio. The system also features pure digital
sound with Dolby Digital Surround Sound that will literally rock your place
with its immense power.

THE PACKAGE
===========

Here’s what you’ll get when you purchase a US (SCPH-30001) Playstation 2
Console. First, it will be encased in a blue box with the Playstation 2 logo
in front and some specifications at the back. You’ll see the black console
itself, a Dual Shock 2 Controller, an audio/video Cable, and a plug. There
will be a manual inside where you can read about the configuration of the
system.

THE CONSOLE BODY
================

The PS2 in a rectangular black box with Memory Card and Controller Slots.
There’s also a 4X DVD-ROM Drive (compatible with CD-ROM at 24X speed). There
are 2 USB ports and an IEEE port at the back. It also has an empty Expansion
Bay at the bottom the console and you’ll also find the AC and AV Cable
connectors. In front, you’ll find the Reset and Eject buttons at the right
side. All in all, the system is well-designed and looks very cool.

PLUGGING IN YOUR PS2
====================

This is where first-time users sweat the most. The plugging in of your
console into the electrical outlet. The US Playstation 2 is for 120 volt
outlets. 110 volts is also fine. So, make sure that you plug in your console
in these voltage specifications or else you’ll destroy your console,
literally. I saw my friend plug-in a 110 volt PS into a 220 and it smoked and
eventually burned out. That will most likely be what will happen to the PS2
when you plug it in the wrong outlet. There are many ways to plus the console
in voltages other than 110-120. You can use an AVR (Automatic Voltage
Regulator) or a Transformer. I really recommend using AVRs because most of
them also have surge suppressors incase of blackouts or power surges.
Transformers will work fine but they overheat very quickly.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
FEATURES
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

PLAYSTATION 2 GAMES
===================

Now, the Playstation 2 is designed to play Original Sony Playstation 2 games
in either DVD or CD Format. DVD Playstation 2 games will have a Silver CD
(bottom side) and CD-ROM Playstation 2 games will have a Blue CD (bottom side
also). These Playstation 2 games use the immense graphics power of the
Playstation 2 to deliver unbelievably realistic graphics at lightning speed.

PLAYSTATION GAMES
=================

It’s true. The Playstation 2 can play original Playstation games. You can
even experiment on texture smoothing (using the system configuration in the
main menu of the PS2) to enhance the graphics. But some games will slow down
when textures are smoothened. Another option will be the CD read speed. You
can actually increase (selectable in the system configuration too) the speed
in reading PS games, therefore minimizing load times as you experienced in
the PS console. The catch is that some games won’t work if the Speed is
increased. Choose Standard if you want to play the game normally. The PS2
also uses the original Playstation Processor by the way.

DVD PLAYBACK
============

Another cool feature of the Playstation 2 is its ability to play DVD movies.
That’s a lot of thumbs up from different people, even those who do not play
games. The US Playstation 2 can play Region 1 DVDs or those DVDs that are
all-region compatible. Japan PS2s will play Region 2 DVDs and the other
countries/places are designated as region 3-8 (the list is quite long so I
won’t include it yet). Remember that the DVD feature of the PS2 is very much
the same as with most DVD players out there. The only difference is that
you’ll be watching your movies using your controller. Don’t worry, there are
remote controllers out there for the PS2.

I’ve used the DVD feature a couple of times and I’m shocked to see that the
PS2 actually makes the movies look excellent (applicable also to dedicated
DVD Players). DVDs look a lot better then VCDs, VHS Tapes, and even Cable
Movies. Take advantage also of the System Diagnosis feature of the
Playstation 2. It will automatically configure your PS2 to be able to play
DVDs on your TV. To enable this, choose the playstation Driver (by selecting
it in the driver menu) and enable Diagnosis.

Note in playing DVD: Read the back portion of your DVD Movie to see whatever
feature it has. Examples are subtitles, multi-language support, and
audio/video features (Dolby Digital, Wide Screen, etc.)

CD AUDIO PLAYBACK
=================

The Playstation 2 can play Music CDs just as the Playstation did. With
Digital Audio, you’ll never experience listening to music as good as with the
PS2. It even beats out some dedicated CD Players. The interface is easy, just
put the CD in and select the track you want to hear.

VIDEO CD PLAYBACK
=================

To the dismay of many, the Sony Playstation 2 does not provide Video CD
Support. Time will come, third-party companies will create movie cards and
such that will enable you to play Video CDs. But remember that Sony doesn’t
recommend Video CD playback from third-parties. Sorry folks.

Minor note to those who have Movie Cards for the Playstation 2, that enables
VCD playback. These peripherals (especially for the 9xxx series of the
Playstation) will NOT fit anywhere in the PS2. So, don’t force ‘em.

PERIPHERAL BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY
=================================

One excellent feature of the Playstation 2 is its ability to use your old
Playstation peripherals such as Controllers and Memory Cards. This way, you
can just use your old Dual Shock controller and you won’t have to buy a new
Dual Shock 2 controller anymore. But then, if you’re a hardcore gamer, you
probably will still buy a new one.

Some other peripherals might not be compatible (repeat, might not) with the
PS2. These are the Dexdrives and some controllers (third-party). So, be sure
to check the peripheral that you are buying is they’re compatible before
actually purchasing it.

THE EXPANSION BAY
=================

You might be wondering what the expansion bay at the bottom of the console is
for. It will be used to house the hard drive that Sony is planning to
incorporate into the system. You can then, download software/updates from the
internet and maybe even store save games, who knows. I’m a little excited
about this.

USB AND IEEE PORTS
==================

These ports, found at the back of the console, will be used for future
peripherals such as digital cameras, printers (maybe, who knows), modems,
palm tops (who knows too), and more. But as of now, I’ve never heard of any
use about these ports yet. I’ll post it up once something is released for
their use.

INTERNET CAPABILITIES
=====================

As you may now, the Sony Playstation 2 is capable of going online for
Multiplayer gaming and even Internet surfing/downloading. Sony planned for a
Modem and will be released in the future.

Update (06/27/01): Well November (when most of the PS2 peripherals are
expected to be released) is near and Sony unveiled a couple of plans already.
Here are the news I got. Sony and AOL will be teaming up to give PS2 its
online capabilities. Parallel to the Internet Capabilities of the PS2, Sony
will be releasing a Modem, Mouse, Keyboard, and its own Monitor to make the
PS2 a PC-like Internet Machine. There are also news about Sony integrating
Java into the system. More to come.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
ISSUES
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Chipping your PS2
=================

This is a delicate topic but it needs to be explained further. Chipping or
modifying your PS2 to play bootleg or out-of-region discs is definitely
Illegal. Why? First, when you open up the console and put in custom parts
that makes the PS2 do something it was never intended for, violates certain
laws that prohibit manipulation of registered electronic devices (if I
remember correctly). Plus, Sony will ignore your questions and your warranty
will automatically be removed. Also, it requires delicate work and you’ll
risk destroying your system so don’t dare even if “amateur” electricians
offer to do it for you. Love your system and take care of it.

Pirated PS2 Games
=================

Some people doesn’t have conscience eh... I got some news that in Singapore,
DVD copies of games are already selling. Tsk tsk tsk... That is a terrible
news for the developers and publishers. It goes the same for us legit PS2
gamers. When will this stop!!


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Well, this will be the place where I’ll put in FAQs from readers if there are
any. You can e-mail me at my address on top of this FAQ. If your question is
relevant to the features of the system, most likely I’ll put it up here.


-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
CREDITS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

- Very Special thanks to Sony for bringing to us the best gaming console
ever. At first I was very hesitant to get the system but it’s very well worth
it.

- Thanks to Maulrat70@aol.com for asking about the Diagnosis Function of the
PS2 (DVD playback). I forgot that in the first release.

- And last but absolutely not the least, thanks to GameFAQs where you can
view and download this FAQ. CjayC deserves all the credits given to him.
Congratulations!

These are all that I would like to thank as of now. If I happen to forget
anyone, please inform me. I’ll check it out on my inbox if you really have
something to be credited (I never delete important ones). Note, that if there
are same info sent to me, it is on a first come first serve basis. Any
suggestions, comments, additions, etc. will be duly credited to you once
you’ve submitted one to me through my e-mail address written at the very top
of this FAQ. Thank you very much!


Playstation 2, Playstation, PS One and their accessories(tm)
Are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment

All other devices and instances are registered trademarks
of their respective owners

The Unofficial Sony Playstation 2 Features FAQ
May 7, 2001, “A” Tadeo