DVD-Rs on a modded Slimline PS2

[Oh_Mutants]

I have a slimline PS2 modded with a matrix infinity. It's a version 13 PS2 i believe, one of the models after those with the known laser problems.
What i'm wondering is if running DVD-Rs on it will actually have a detremental affect on the laser as i've read before somewhere?
I have a (genuine) copy of Fire Pro Returns that i'd like to apply the English patch to so i can understand the endless menus, but i don't want to risk damaging the laser
Any advice very much appreciated

[Hohum]

Should be fine. The box for mine states on the outside that it can play your 'personally recorded dvds', and also mentions dvd-rw/+rw compatability on the side. I made a backup copy of Dragon Quest 8 for my own use to avoid having to open that cardboard box it comes in every time I want to play it... no problems with my console.

[chaoticjelly]

The original fitter of the mod should of fitted some sort of a (GOOD!) slimline fix..

The slimline I used to have had a comsoft v1.3 (?) slimfix, never had any problems with it, and from what I gather its still going strong, and this was from the first batch of the slimline PS2s.

If your worried id recommend getting a (GOOD!) slimfix. There are some slimfixes out there which are utter balls and dont do anything, so make sure you steer clear of those ones that are just out to make cash

[Oh_Mutants]

Cheers CJ, so would i need to get a slimline fix even if i have a V.12 or 13 slimline, as i'd read it was only earlier models that had laser issues (though would all models when using DVD-Rs)?? Don't want to shell out on something unnecessarily, only if there's a chance the laser could be affected. What do you reckon? And if so can you recommend anywhere? Thanks

[chaoticjelly]

Hi, oh its only for the early models yes V12 and V13 I think..

By your post I thought that you might have an earlier one and thats why you were concerned

Should be just fine if its a later model! Have fun!

[SuperBeatBoy]

whats does the slimfix do exactly, im noticing on certain games. e.g. okami the fmvs will skip, i purchased my already modded ps2 about a year ago. i think it might be one of the older models, i dont know.

[egparadigm]

Zero9x: If you turn your PStwo upside down it should tell you the version. I have one of the infamous v12's and it's laser conked out after only limited use over a 14 month period.

Interestingly, it works when it's on diagnostic mode. Would it be worth getting a new laser and slimfix or would it be possible to simply turn up the console's voltage (I understand that is what diagnostic mode does)?

[NekoFever]

Cheers CJ, so would i need to get a slimline fix even if i have a V.12 or 13 slimline, as i'd read it was only earlier models that had laser issues (though would all models when using DVD-Rs)??

I'm pretty sure that v12 and v13 are the early slimlines. v14 and up (does it go above v14?) are the ones that have improved lasers at the expense of compatibility with a handful of games.

My chipped slimline is a day one model which I'd assume would make it v12, and I got it chipped as soon as the DMS4 with slimline support came out. This was before the laser problems became apparent and so I got that fix done after using it with chip for a month or so and it's been absolutely fine. The only issue I've seen is that it skips on some of the FMVs in the original God of War, and even that's occasional.

[Oh_Mutants]

I'm pretty sure that v12 and v13 are the early slimlines. v14 and up (does it go above v14?) are the ones that have improved lasers at the expense of compatibility with a handful of games.

Ok thanks guys, well i've discovered that my machine is actually a v14 so i'm glad to her everything should be rosey So DVD-R's don't actually damage lasers as a general rule then? One of those urban myths i guess?

[anephric]

I've swapped out the laser on a knackered V12 (at the grand cost of £10) and had another 12 months' use out of it (with fliptop and SwapMagic). Haven't had any read probs yet. Never done the laser fix but I can't be bothered if all it costs is £10 every 12-18 months.

[Jei]

Oh_Mutants,

If its the Slimline Machine I sold you with the Smoked See Through Case then I can guarentee you it's a V14 with a Genuine Matrix Infinity (Green Dot) and doesn't need any form of a fix.

As for DVDr's then i'd seriously only recommend Verbatim DVD-R's using either the MCC 03RG20 or TYG03 dyes. Ritek used to excellent but the quality is now so diverse (Even on A* Media) that it's not really worth the risk.


You can get the MCC 03RG20 in 50 Pack here...

http://svp.co.uk/products-solo.php?pid=1069

or the Taiyo Yurden Verbatims in 25 Pack here...

http://svp.co.uk/products-solo.php?pid=1217

Personally i'd recommend the latter as I get better PI/PO scans using these, but either will be fine for your Slimline.




As for DVD-Rs they won't "Damage" your PStwo so long as you use good media. As with any kind of Optical Media if you use poor quality, badly scratched or damaged discs then it will deteriorate the life of the laser.

Follow what i've posted above and you'l be fine mate.

[chaoticjelly]

DVD-R's make the laser work a bit harder, if you think of the grooves that make up a DVD/CD, ones made by a machine are high precision, those made by a DVD/CD recorder are not as high precision, therefore the laser has to work a bit harder to read these grooves.

Certainly, it won't b0rk your laser any time soon.

The slimfixes just provide some extra circuitry, and if the power going to the laser exceeds a reasonable amount, it cuts out power to the laser in around 50 miliseconds (0.050 seconds) and then turns the PS2 off.

That shouldn't happen very often.. but when it does, if you don't have a slimfix, too much power just the one time can equal dead laser..

[Escape-To-88]

Not sure if anyone mentioned yet, but a good quality DVD-R is advised, I always go for Verbatim's. Ritek's aren't bad either. I had a modded Slimlime and it didn't give me one bit of bother before I sold it, and don't believe it's given the buyer any hassle either, and mine did not have the laser fix applied.

[chaoticjelly]

Ive been using some bog-standard Datawrite DVD-R, work nicely on PS2. I also have some Taiyo Yuden DVD-R I picked up at a bargain price (something like £50 for 100) which worked amazingly on an Xbox with a picky and dying laser..! ultimate in DVD-R I suppose.. Taiyo Yuden.. Made in Japan. Awesome cake boxes they come in too.. ultra high quality!

[anephric]

I use Datawrite Yellows - I've had no end of failed/dodgy burns with Verbatims, even at 2X/4X. More probs than with any other media, actually. Their quality seems to have gone to **** lately.