UK PS2 exporting questions

[Lazlow]

Hey everyone, quick few questions regarding exporting a UK PS2. In about a month or so I will be moving to Canada from England. Im intending to take my PS2 with me as I have some games that I cant be bothered to search around for when I get out. Plus the fact that ill get next to nothing for the PS2 itself. I've been looking into a couple of solutions for taking my PS2 over, first one is swap magic. Ill probably pick up some games on a whim when im out there seeing as they will be cheaper and theres some classics ive missed out on. So,

-Has anyone used Swap Magic and what do they think?
-Does anyone know of a good website I can get it from?
-Will I encounter any issues displaying PAL PS2 games on a Candian TV?
-Any other general suggestions?

Btw Its a slimline PStwo incase that makes any difference.

Thanks,

[sj33]

1) Swap Magic discs are okay, they work most of the time. The main problem is that sometimes you will find yourself having to swap in an extra DVDLoader disc for some problem games, and you also cannot boot Dual Layer games.
If you can find someone who can install a modchip for you, your life will be much simpler long-term. Or just buy a US PS2.

2) http://www.swapmagic3.com/ have a list or retailers. They are not illegal, so it's fine for me to post it. Be aware they are region encoded, so get the correct version.

3) While most PAL TV's will accept NTSC, most NTSC TV's will not accept PAL, so a lot of your PAL games will not work, although I think Swap Magic (as well as many modchips like DMS4 and O2) can force video mode.

A slimline is easier, you need to install some kind of tool to use Swap Magic discs, it should say more of this on the site.

[fallenangle]

I've been using using Swap-Magic with the few US import games I own for my PAL PS2. It works fine and is really the only economic solution open to you for what you want to do. Anyway it's preferable to chipping for a number of reason a). it will cost you almost ?70 with p&p and b). fitting the chip is an illegal practice in the UK.

If you've an old model PS2 the slide tool and replacement disc tray front + Swap-Magic should cost you under ?20. Do not be tempted to buy a whole replacement flip-top case - the one's I've seen are badly made and are more hassle than they're worth.

For the newer slimine PSTwo you'll need the appropriate Swap Tool kit to be able use Swap-Magic. The kits are generally available from all the sites selling Swap-Magic and fitting sounds relatively simple.

But the main problem (as said ^) is the NTSC TV system used in Canada. Unless the PAL PS2 games you want to use have a 60Hz option (many don't and can't be forced) it's unlikely you'll find any Canadian TV will be PAL50 capable so it won't display properly if at all.

There is an extravagent solution: using a PAL/NTSC standards converter but those are more expensive than buying a new PSTwo.

[Lazlow]

What about running the PS2 over component? as the 50/60hz is no longer an issue
How about getting a NTSC PS2 and using swap magic to play the PAL stuff?

[sj33]

What about running the PS2 over component? as the 50/60hz is no longer an issue

Yes it is, most PS2 PAL games will still run in 50Hz only , and most NTSC TV's don't accept 50Hz at all.

[Lazlow]

Just been looking around the web and it would appear that there are now a number of TV's that support any input signal be it PAL, NTSC or Secam. So when I get there i guess ill just have to do some more up to date TV research. Looks like the best option for me now is going to be swap magic then.

[sj33]

Generally most European TV's accept both PAL and NTSC, but not the other way around. I may be mistaken though.

[Lazlow]

Well i just had a look around and came across this site which lists 'Multi system LCD's'

http://www.220-electronics.com/tv/lcd.htm#Multi%20System%20LCD%20Screens%20Larger%20 then%2042